Rugby grieves as Connor Garden-Bachop dies at 25 years old

Highlanders and Wellington outside back Connor Garden-Bachop has died in what has been described as a “medical event” aged 25.

New Zealand Maori Rugby Board released a statement describing Garden-Bachop as a “fantastic young player, an exciting New Zealand age-grade representative and a proud Māori All Black.”

The New Zealand Maori Rugby Board’s statement continued, acknowledging Garden-Bachop’s young family, “Most importantly, he was a loving father to his twin girls, a brother, a son and immeasurably loved by all those who knew him.”

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The official New Zealand Rugby X account (formerly Twitter) also posted a tribute to the former Highlander, writing, “He will be remembered as a dynamic young player and popular teammate amongst the Māori All Blacks, Highlanders and Wellington.”

Garden-Bachop had recently left the Highlanders following what he had described as an “unforgettable five years.” The Highlanders were recently knocked out of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific competition in the quarter-finals.

The outside back’s statement continued, “Thank you to everyone in the south for making me feel at home, and thank you to the boys I have been honoured to share the field with, it’s been a pleasure, I will miss you all.”

Garden-Bachop’s cause of death remains unknown, with New Zealand Rugby simply describing it as a “medical event” in Christchurch, per The Independent.

According to the team website, Garden-bachop played 30 times for the Highlanders, scoring six tries. He also scored a further five tries in 19 appearances for Wellington in the National Provincial Championship.

For many New Zealanders of Maori descent, representing the Maori All Blacks is the highest honour you can achieve. Garden-Bachop was able to play in two tests for the Maori All Blacks in 2022 against Ireland, per The Guardian.

The Garden-Bachop family is littered with professional rugby players, including Connor’s mother Sue who played in the New Zealand women’s team, the Black Ferns, and his father, Stephen Bachop, who played for both Samoa and New Zealand. Connor’s brother Jackson currently plays for Brive in France. He is also a cousin of 46-cap All Black Aaron Mauger.

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