Statement on the passing of Connor Garden-Bachop

Statement from NZR, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and New Zealand Rugby Players Association on Connor Garden-Bachop, 18 June 2024 

“On behalf of the entire rugby community, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association would like to extend our deepest thoughts and love to the Garden-Bachop family.

Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event, and rugby’s collective focus at this time is on supporting his family. 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 Māori All Black. Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular teammate 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.

NZR, the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and the Players Association are providing support and we ask that the privacy of the Garden-Bachop family is respected.”

Paiahaha Paiahaha  

Kei te tangi te ao whutupōro 

Kua hinga tētahi o ngā tama 

O te papa takaro. 

E te rangatira 

E Connor 

Kei te tangi te ao whutupōro 

Takoto e moe e Hika 

Attention Attention  

The house of rugby laments 

The passing of one of its sons 

Who graced the playing fields 

O Chiefly one 

Connor 

The rugby world weeps for you 

Rest now in peace our friend 

ENDS