Super Rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop dies aged 25

New Zealand rugby subordinate Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged 25.

His aged Super Rugby team, the Dunedin-based Highlanders, person confirmed his death.

Garden-Bachop, lad of erstwhile All Black Stephen Bachop, was portion of the Highlanders’ Super Rugby squad this season.

The NZ Herald reports constabulary were called to the country of a abrupt decease successful Fendalton, Christchurch astir 5.55pm connected Monday.

Police said: “The decease is not being treated arsenic suspicious and volition beryllium referred to the Coroner.”

The Highlanders posted connected Facebook past week announcing respective players who would not instrumentality to the squad adjacent season, including Garden-Bachop.

Garden-Bachop, an extracurricular back, posted connected Instagram past week thanking the Highlanders aft playing 5 seasons with the team. He made his Highlanders debut successful 2021.

“Thank you @highlandersteam for an unforgettable 5 years,” helium said.

“Thank you to everyone successful the southbound for making maine consciousness astatine home, and convey you to the boys I person been honoured to stock the tract with, it’s been a pleasure, I volition miss you all. Till adjacent time.”

Garden-Bachop is survived by 2 daughters.

He besides played 2 games for the Maori All Blacks.

He was the lad of erstwhile All Black Stephen Bachop and erstwhile Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop, who died successful 2009 aft a agelong conflict with cancer.