New Zealand Super Rugby player, 25, dies after 'medical event'

Highlanders outside back Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged 25 after an unspecified "medical event", New Zealand Rugby said on Tuesday.

Police said they were called to the scene of a sudden death in Christchurch on Monday evening. It is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner.

"Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event and rugby's collective focus at this time is on supporting his family," New Zealand Rugby said in a statement.

The son of former All Black Stephen Bachop, Garden-Bachop played for the Highlanders in this season's Super Rugby competition. He was the father of twin girls.

Our deepest condolences are with the family, friends and teammates of Connor Garden-Bachop who passed away yesterday.

He will be remembered as a popular teammate amongst the Maori All Blacks, Highlanders and Wellington. Arohanui ??

Statement: https://t.co/bKrXvbeQff pic.twitter.com/fO2KVH6Cez

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Highlanders team-mate Jona Nareki led the tributes to the winger on social media, posting on Instagram: "Rest in peace my brother. Love ya, my boy."

Garden-Bachop played representative rugby for the Maori All Blacks and comes from a family of New Zealand internationals.

His mother, Susan Garden-Bachop, played for New Zealand's Black Ferns while his uncle Graeme Bachop also played for the All Blacks.

Garden-Bachop made his debut for the Highlanders in 2021, going on to make 30 appearances in Super Rugby.

The franchise had said he was one of several players not returning next season.

In a recent post on Instagram, Garden-Bachop praised the Dunedin-based team after what he called "an unforgettable five years".

"Thank you to everyone in the