the essential
The very young player, described as a “committed and popular” teammate and “endowed with contagious energy”, died suddenly on Monday June 17.
“The rugby world stands with the Garden-Bachop family at this time and we are collectively united in our grief.” Words from the New Zealand Rugby Federation, Monday June 17, to announce the sudden death, at just 25 years old, of player Connor Garden-Bachop.
The winger or full-back, who played for Canterburry, Wellington then the Dunedin Highlanders (Super Rugby, since 2021) tragically died “following a medical problem”, reports the “all black” Federation without providing further details.
Kei te tangi te ao Whutupōro kua hinga tētahi o ngā tama o te papa takaro.
The house of rugby laments the passing of one of its sons who graced the playing fields.
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Connor Garden-Bachop yesterday. He will be… pic.twitter.com/lXLKkGY74T
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) https://twitter.com/AllBlacks/status/1802852968250974290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“Connor was a fantastic young player,” the statement continued, “a passionate New Zealand representative and a proud ‘Māori All Black’. Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular teammate with infectious energy, a person who illuminated those around him.”
Connor Garden-Bachop was also the father of two little girls. “Most importantly, he was a loving father to his twin daughters, a brother, a son and infinitely loved by all who knew him. […] We ask that the privacy of the Garden-Bachop family be respected.”
