The professional rugby player Connor Gardener-Bachop died on Monday due to a medical emergency.
He was 25 years old. Gardener-Bachop was part of the Mori all Blacks and the Highlanders team of New Zealand’s professional rugby league.
Officials of the organization did not disclose the cause of his death.
All of the professional rugby organizations in New Zealand are supporting the family of Connor Gardener-Bachop.
In a statement, the organization noted that they are all united in grief. The other rugby organizations included the Wellington and Highlanders rugby teams, as well as the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association.
Connor was a talented young player who was an exciting representative for the New Zealand age-grade team. He was also a proud M’ori All Black.
In the statement, the organization noted that Gardener-Bachop was a popular and committed teammate who was known for his infectious energy.
Gardener-Bachop was described as a loving father to his twin daughters and a brother who was incredibly loved by all of his friends.
According to the police, they were called to a sudden death in the Fendalton suburb of Christchurch on Monday evening. However, the death was not considered suspicious.
Connor was a product of a rugby family. His uncle, Graham Bachop, is a member of the All Blacks.
His father, Stephen, also represented the Samoa national team. Connor’s mother, Sue, played various sports in New Zealand. She died in 2008 due to cancer.
Although he was a part of the Highlanders team for five seasons, he decided not to return to the team.
Before his death, Gardener-Bachop posted a series of photos on Instagram. He thanked the team for their support and said he would miss his time with them.
On Monday, the All Blacks released a tribute for Gardener-Bachop, describing him as a dynamic young player who was known for being a popular teammate.
The organization also offered its condolences to his family and friends.
The All Blacks and the other professional organizations in New Zealand released a joint statement about the death of Gardener-Bachop on Monday.
In the statement, they expressed their condolences and said that the rugby world is mourning the loss of a talented player.