Otago Highlanders back Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged 25 after an unspecified “medical event”, New Zealand Rugby said on Tuesday.
Police said they were called to the scene of a sudden death in Christchurch on Monday evening. It is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner.
“Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event and rugby’s collective focus at this time is on supporting his family,” New Zealand Rugby said in a statement.
The son of former All Black Stephen Bachop, Garden-Bachop played for the Highlanders in this season’s Super Rugby competition. He was the father of twin girls.
