The unexpected death of Connor Garden-Bachop has shaken New Zealand’s rugby community. On Monday, June 17, 2024, the 25-year-old Highlanders and Māori All Blacks player succumbed to a medical event, though authorities have not released further details. New Zealand Rugby, alongside the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board, the Highlanders, Wellington Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, have said their immediate focus is on supporting the Garden-Bachop family through this loss.
Garden-Bachop’s passing is felt far beyond the pitch; he is survived by twin daughters with his girlfriend Olivia Robertson. As messages of condolence arrive, questions about his private life have emerged, including whether he had plans to marry Robertson. While the rugby world mourns, people are remembering both his contributions on the field and his role as a father.
How Connor and Robertson’s Romance Began in 2019
The two quietly started seeing each other in 2019 and kept their private life largely out of the spotlight until social posts began to reveal how close they’d become. Although Olivia was Connor’s girlfriend rather than his wife, she quickly became woven into his family circle.
Their connection was on display in a June 2023 Instagram collage Olivia posted from a family picnic. She paired the photos with a warm note,
Those three weeks were the best—making so many great memories. Can’t wait for the next picnic and play. We’ll miss you, but hoping to see you soon x.
She Delivered Twin Girls by Cesarean
On August 5, 2020, Olivia and the late rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop became parents to twin daughters, Brynn Everly and Harlow Rosie. The sisters were born just three minutes apart: Brynn arrived at 4:42 PM weighing 1.4 kg, and Harlow followed, weighing 1.7 kg. The family shared photos and updates across their social channels, celebrating the new additions.
Motherhood brought immense joy, but Olivia also faced difficulty. The twins were delivered by cesarean, which differed from the natural birth she had anticipated and left her wrestling with feelings of failure amid persistent stigmas around surgical deliveries. To tackle those misconceptions head-on, she opened up about her experience on Instagram, finishing her honest post with: “So here I am saying, I gave birth to my gorgeous twins via emergency c-section and it was magical! 🤍.”
Olivia Robertson — Entrepreneur and Lifeguard
Originally from Wellington, New Zealand, Olivia is the daughter of Grant Robertson and the late Melissa Robertson. At the start of 2024 she, her father and her sister Georgia took ownership of Funny Bunny Kids, purchasing the well-known luxury children’s brand from Sara Jamieson. Their aim is to grow the business while maintaining the high-quality range of products for babies and young children through the early school years.
Alongside her role as a business owner, Olivia has served as a lifeguard at Te Rauparaha Arena since September 2017, reflecting her commitment to local safety. She also enjoys writing and shares her thoughts through blogging, a blend of pursuits that highlights both her professional drive and community-minded interests.
