Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has revealed how the sudden death of Highlanders back Connor Garden-Bachop has affected his players, as many prepare for what could be the biggest game of their careers.
Garden-Bachop, 25, passed away unexpectedly earlier this week, due to a "medical event", survived by twin daughters. The son of former All Blacks halfback Stephen Bachop and Black Ferns representative Sue Garden-Bachop has just completed his fifth season with the southern franchise.
"Tragic," reflected McMillan. "It puts rugby in perspective when young men pass away... it's really tragic and our heart goes out to the Garden-Bachop family, the Highlanders, Wellington and everybody that's been associated with Connor.
"To give you an indication of the impact it had on our environment... we came in on Tuesday, we had breakfast at the local cafe and the news filtered through. We came over here and modfieid our whole day, because we've got some people that were close to Connor.
"It would have been easy for us to make a rugby decision and push on, get out there and train, but our day looked a lot different to respect the fact somebody close to the boys had passed away.
"The rugby on the weekend will take care of itself. We've trained all year for this, so... "
Garden-Bachop played two games for the McMillan-coached Māori All Blacks against Ireland in 2022.
Chiefs midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown had just been quizzed on McMillan's coaching style over his tenure over the team since 2021, when he took over from Wales and British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland.
"The key to 'Donk' is his leadership is second to none, but the most important thing is he puts people first," said Lienert-Brown. "People before rugby and by doing that, people will follow him and want to play for him.
"I think you see that in our results."
After losing last year's Super Rugby Pacific final to the Crusaders, McMillan was on the phone to referee Ben O'Keeffe, checking on his wellbeing, after his performance that night was widely criticised on social media.
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