Former Highlanders utility back Connor Garden-Bachop passes away at 25-years-old

Maori All Blacks utility back and former Highlanders player Connor Garden-Bachop has passed away at the age of 25.

His sudden passing was confirmed by the Highlanders today.

The outside back had spent four seasons with the Super Rugby club and represented the Maori All Blacks in 2022.

He is survived by twin daughters and was the son of former All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop.

His brother, Jackson Garden-Bachop, spent six years with the Hurricanes and currently plays in France.

Often sporting a wide grin on the rugby field, Connor Garden-Bachop was last week confirmed to be leaving the Highlanders by the club and took to social media just three days ago to express his gratitude for his time in Dunedin.

A product of Scots College in Wellington, Gardon-Bachop first represented Canterbury in the NPC before returning to represent his home city with the Lions, where he won the 2022 title.

Garden-Bachop passed away yesterday following a medical event.

[Source: