Super Rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop dies aged 25

Super Rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop has died at the age of 25, New Zealand Rugby has confirmed.

The son of former All Black and Samoa outside-half Stephen and nephew of ex-All Black scrum-half Graeme, the winger had just ended a five-year spell with the Highlanders. He also played for the Maori All Blacks.

In a statement, New Zealand Rugby said he died “following a medical event” in Christchurch on Monday.

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 Māori All Blacks, Highlanders and Wellington. Arohanui