Highlanders outside back Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged 25 after an unspecified 'medical event', New Zealand Rugby said on Tuesday.
Police said they were called to the scene of a sudden death in Christchurch on Monday evening. It is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner.
'Connor passed away on Monday following a medical event and rugby's collective focus at this time is on supporting his family,' New Zealand Rugby said in a statement.
The son of former All Black Stephen Bachop, Garden-Bachop played for the Highlanders in this season's Super Rugby competition. He was the father of twin girls.
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