Crusaders pay tribute to Highlanders rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop

The Crusaders have paid tribute to Highlanders rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop.

25 year old Garden-Bachop died after a medical event on Monday evening at a relative’s home in Christchurch.

In Facebook post, the Crusaders team said “the house of rugby laments the passing of one of its sons who graced the playing fields.

“We join the rest of the New Zealand Rugby community and express our immense sadness at the passing of Connor Garden-Bachop in Christchurch last night.

“Connor will be remembered as a dynamic young player and popular teammate amongst the Māori All Blacks, Highlanders and Wellington.

In a statement, police said they were called to the scene of a sudden death in Fendalton, Christchurch around 5.55pm yesterday.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner.”

In a joint statement by New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and New Zealand Rugby Players Association, they said “on behalf of the entire rugby community, 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.

“Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event, and rugby’s collective focus at this time is on supporting his family. All of rugby walks alongside the Garden-Bachop family at this time and we are collectively united in our grief.

“Connor was a fantastic young player, an exciting New Zealand age-grade representative and a proud Māori All Black. Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular teammate with infectious energy and someone who could light up the room.

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

NZR, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and the Players Association are providing support and we ask that the privacy of the Garden-Bachop family is respected.”