June 18, 2024
Rugby mourns Connor Garden-Bachop
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Former Highlanders’ and Māori All Black winger Connor Garden-Bachop has died after what the club said was a medical event.
The NZ Herald reports police were called to the scene of a sudden death in Fendalton, Christchurch around 5.55pm on Monday.
The death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner.
Garden-Bachop was one of several players dropped from the franchise last week.
The Highlanders say the 25-year-old was a committed and popular teammate with infectious energy and someone who could light up the room.
They say all of rugby walks alongside the Garden-Bachop family at this time and are collectively united in grief.