Highlanders and Māori All Blacks outside back Connor Garden-Bachop has died in Christchurch.
The cause of death has been described by NZ Rugby as a "medical event".
Garden-Bachop, 25, was the son of former All Black Stephen Bachop and was part of the Highlanders squad this season.
He took to Instagram just three days ago, after finishing up with the Highlanders.
"Thank you @Highlandersteam for an unforgettable five years. Thank you to everyone in the south for making me feel at home, and thank you to the boys I have been honoured to share the field with, it's been a pleasure, I will miss you all. Till next time."
He played 30 games for the Highlanders and made two appearances for the Māori All Blacks in 2022.
"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," NZ Rugby said.
"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."
Father Stephen Bachop and uncle Graeme Bachop both played for the All Blacks, while mother Sue Garden-Bachop, who died of cancer in 2009, played for the Black Ferns.
Brother Jackson Garden-Bachop played six seasons for the Hurricanes and currently plays for Brive in the French Top 14 competition.
