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

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

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.

Coach Ross Filipo said his side had extra motivation in their opening match in Tokyo, dedicating the win to Connor Garden-Bachop.

Coach Ross Filipo said his side had extra motivation in their opening match in Tokyo, dedicating the win to Connor Garden-Bachop.

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

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

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

Emotional Highlanders players and management have begun to arrive at the memorial service for Connor Garden-Bachop.

The Māori All Blacks found themselves in the unfamiliar position of facing a haka when they arrived in Tokyo on Thursday.