New Zealand Rugby Player Connor Garden-Bachop Dead at 25 After "Medical Event"

The rugby community is saying goodbye to a beloved member.

Connor Garden-Bachop, a rising rugby star in New Zealand, died following a medical emergency June 17 New Zealand Rugby confirmed. He was 25.

"On behalf of the entire rugby community," a June 18 statement from the organization began, "the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association would like to extend our deepest thoughts and love to the Garden-Bachop family. All of rugby walks alongside the Garden-Bachop family at this time and we are collectively united in our grief."

The statement added that Connor was "a fantastic" player, noting, "Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular teammate with infectious energy and someone who could light up the room."

"Most importantly," it continued, "he was a loving father to his twin girls, a brother, a son and immeasurably loved by all those who knew him."

According to the Associated Press, Christchurch police released a statement they attended a sudden death in the suburb of Fendalton, but that "the death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner."

Connor—who spent five seasons with the Highlanders team and was a member of the Māori All Blacks—had rugby in his blood.

His grandfather Graeme Bachop and his father Stephen Bachop were both All Blacks, according to The Guardian, and Stephen played for both Samoa and New Zealand while Graeme played in two World Cups. Connor's late mother Sue Garden-Bachop was also a rugby star in her own right and played for the New Zealand women's team, the Black Ferns.

After five seasons with the Highlanders, Connor was reportedly parting ways with the team, and four days before his death he took a moment to express his gratitude on social media. 

"Thank you @highlandersteam for an unforgettable five years," he captioned his June 13 post. "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. Till next time."

The joint post shared by New Zealand Rugby included a verse in the Māori language, alongside an English translation, honoring the young player's legacy. 

"Attention Attention / The house of rugby laments / The passing of one of its sons," the verse read. "Who graced the playing fields / O Chiefly one / Connor / The rugby world weeps for you."

The verse finished with, "Rest now in peace our friend."

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