Who was Connor Garden-Bachop and how old was the New Zealand Rugby star when he died? Plus cause of death explained

NEW Zealand rugby union player Connor Garden-Bachop has died due to a ‘medical event’.

The Māori All Black had thanked the Highlanders on social media last week for an “unforgettable five years.” Here’s what we know about Connor.

Connor Garden-Bachop thanked the Highlanders a week before his deathGetty Images

Who was Connor Garden-Bachop?

Connor Garden-Bachop, a New Zealand rugby union player with Cook Islands heritage, played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby. 

Born on April 19, 1999, he mainly played as a wing and joined the team in 2020.

His lineage includes European, Samoan, Tahitian, Cook Island, and Māori (specifically Ngāti Awa) origins.

Connor was born into a rugby-centric family. 

His father, Stephen Bachop, represented both Samoa and New Zealand, while his mother, Sue Garden-Bachop, played for New Zealand’s women’s team, the Black Ferns.

His uncle, Graeme Bachop, played for the All Blacks in two World Cups (1991, 1995) and for Japan in 1999.

His cousin, Aaron Mauger, played for the All Blacks in the early 2000s and coached the Highlanders from 2018-20.

The young footballer is also the father of twin girls.

What was Connor Garden-Bachop’s cause of death?

In a statement, New Zealand Rugby said he died “following a medical event” in Christchurch on June 17, however, it did not specify the cause of death.

It read: “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.”

The joint tribute added: “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.”

They continued: “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.”

“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.”

Who did Connor Garden-Bachop play rugby for?

Connor made his Highlanders debut in 2021 and in his first five Super Rugby games he scored three tries.

He was on the team’s roster this season but parted ways with the Super Rugby Pacific club after their latest campaign finished in the quarter-finals.

He represented the Māori All Blacks in two Tests against Ireland in 2022.

The footballer thanked the Highlanders on social media a week before his death for an “unforgettable five years.”

He added: “Thank you to everyone in the south for making me feel at home, and thank you to the boys I have been honoured to share the field with, it’s been a pleasure, I will miss you all. Till next time.”

How old was Connor Garden-Bachop when he died?

Connor was 25 years old when he died, leaving behind twin girls. 

Tributes have been coming in from all around the world including from the Queensland Reds.

They paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter) saying in a post “we join the rugby community in mourning the sudden passing of Connor Garden-Bachop. Sending love to the Garden-Bachop family – we’re all with you.”

Gardon-Bachop attended Scot’s College in Wellington.

“Connor was a dedicated student at Scots College from 2012 to 2016, and a proud member of Glasgow House,” the school wrote in a Facebook post.

“Many of our community proudly followed Connor’s career as he went on to play for the Highlanders and Māori All Blacks.

“His loss will be felt deeply by many, and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.”