By Victor Kanayo
Super Rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop has died at the age of 25.
This was revealed by the New Zealand Rugby in a statement on Tuesday.
In the statement, New Zealand Rugby said he died “following a medical event.
“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 Maori All Black.
“Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular team-mate 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.”
The son of former All Black and Samoa outside-half Stephen and nephew of ex-All Black scrum-half Graeme, the winger had just ended a five-year spell with the Highlanders.
He also played for the Maori All Blacks.
