Garden-Bachop, winger Super Rugby dies aged 25

Connor Garden-Bachop, a Super Rugby player from New Zealand, passed away at the age of 25. According to New Zealand Rugby, Garden-Bachop passed away in Christchurch on Monday "following a medical event".

Police reported to a sudden death in Christchurch on Monday evening, stating that the incident is not considered 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.

Garden-Bachop was part of a notable rugby family. His father, Stephen Bachop, played for the All Blacks and the Samoa national rugby union team. His uncle, Graham Bachop, was also an All Black player. His mother, Sue Garden-Bachop, who died in 2008 from cancer, represented New Zealand in rugby, basketball, and field hockey. His older brother, Jackson, 29, currently plays for the second-tier club Brive in France.

"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," read the statement.