Connor Garden-Bachop, a former Highlanders Super Rugby Pacific player and Maori All Black, has died suddenly at the age of 25 in New Zealand.

The rugby player and young father died following a medical event this week.

The Highlanders and Māori All Blacks player, 25, died after a 'medical event'.

Otago Highlanders outside back Connor Garden-Bachop died on Monday at the age of 25 following a medical event, New Zealand Rugby has said.

Garden-Bachop, also a Māori All Black, made his Highlanders debut in 2021.

The Māori All Blacks are mourning the loss of teammate Connor Garden-Bachop.

'Have fun, you never know what could happen.'

Tributes are flowing for the ‘loving’ father-of-two who followed in his own parents’ footsteps as a rugby star.