Highlanders winger Connor Garden-Bachop dies aged 25

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the death of Super Rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop at the age of 25.

Connor, the son of former All Black and Samoa fly-half Stephen, and the nephew of former All Black scrum-half Graeme, had recently concluded a five-year tenure with the Highlanders. He was also a player for the Maori All Blacks.

According to a statement from New Zealand Rugby, he passed away "following a medical event" in Christchurch on Monday.

"All of rugby walks alongside the Garden-Bachop family at this time and we are collectively united in our grief," read the statement, which was also signed by the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association.

"Connor was a fantastic young player, an exciting New Zealand age-grade representative and a proud Maori All Black.

"Wherever he played, he was a committed and popular team-mate 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."