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

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.

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.

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

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

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.