Nearly seven months after the death of his younger brother Connor, and embracing a new challenge he’s undertaking at Moana Pasifika, Jackson Garden-Bachop is still coming to terms with the impact of his family’s loss.
In June 2024, the New Zealand rugby community was rocked by the news that Highlanders, Wellington and Māori All Blacks outside back Connor had died, aged just 25, after an unspecified medical event. His death has been referred to the coroner.
At the time, Jackson Garden-Bachop was based in France with second division side CA Brive, but made a point of ending his stint early to return to Aotearoa and be closer to his family.
An opportunity with Wellington arose for the 2024 NPC, where Garden-Bachop helped steer the Lions to the title, as Moana Pasifika came knocking in Super Rugby.
But despite any on-field success, the loss of a loved one isn’t something any person can be expected to just move on from.
The wider Garden-Bachop family have just celebrated their first Christmas without their son and brother, something that they might not ever get used to.
“Right now? I’m all right. Tonight might be shit – sorry for swearing,” Jackson told the Herald.
“Christmas and New Year’s was really hard. It was really good being around everyone, but it was really hard, really emotional. It just comes in waves. I’m still figuring it out. It’s still very, very fresh.
“We lived apart from each other – he was at the ‘Landers, I was at the ‘Canes, then I was overseas.
“To not see each other for six months wasn’t unusual, which is about the time I’ve not seen him now. It’s going to take years to figure out.
“How it unfolds this season? I’m not sure. But I’ve got an awesome family around me – my wife and kids, my brothers and sisters and my dad and stepmum. We all take care of each other.
“We all take turns having shit days. We all take turns having good days, we lean on each other depending on which side we’re on.”
Tributes to Connor Garden-Bachop at the time of his death were consistent in their remembering a young player who was loved by his teammates, and just as big a contributor off the field as he was on it.
But rugby was a small part of the man who he was, as one of eight siblings. For Jackson Garden-Bachop, though, what you saw with his younger brother was exactly what you got.
“He was light, he was life. The way I describe it is [like] when you’ve had four beers at the start of the night, feel really good and want to lift the energy, he could do that at 8am on a Monday morning.
“He had so much time for everyone; family, non-family, if he knew them or didn’t know them.
“He was a beautiful soul, my brother. I’m proud to talk about him. I like to get a heads up that I’m going to, because otherwise I get a lump in my throat when I get caught off-guard.
“But as much as I can, I want to talk about him.”
Now, though, Jackson is preparing for his return to Super Rugby. With six seasons’ worth of experience at the Hurricanes, Garden-Bachop’s signing is a shrewd one for Moana.
Once the opportunity to come back to New Zealand opened up, as a benefactor in Wellington first five Aidan Morgan’s move to Ireland, Garden-Bachop didn’t want to play anywhere else.
And even after living in Wellington for his entire New Zealand-based life, a move to Auckland has so far been a breeze.
“The only other team I’d like to play for is the Hurricanes again,” he professed. “I was so happy Moana gave me this option, I didn’t think twice about it.”
“Compared to settling into overseas environments, where you don’t speak the language, and don’t have any family or friends around, it’s a lot easier.
“I had some fun moving overseas, but coming up to Auckland has been pretty easy in comparison.”
The 30-year-old will compete with William Havili and Patrick Pellegrini – both Tongan internationals – for the No 10 jersey at Moana, in easily the club’s most exciting season to date.
With so much experience, also boasting a century of appearances for the Lions, Garden-Bachop has been described as a leader already within the Moana group, a role he’s happy to shoulder.
“You just have experience from being around for ages. As much as I can use that to give the talent here confidence, clarity and calmness – that’s what I want to bring.
“There’s things physically and ability-wise that I won’t be able to teach anyone here. But in terms of how and when to use that, it’s something I can really drive.
“As a first-five, you’re naturally put in that role of rugby leadership. You have to know the plays, run the plays, call the plays, all of that. You’re automatically a game driver on the field.
“I try and be the kind of leader that’s collaborative. I don’t tell the guys what to do, but I’m happy to be the voice to put ideas to the coaches if the younger fellas don’t feel confident to say it outside of the changing room.
“I’m not consciously trying to come here and run the show, but it’s part of my job.”
As far as the Wellington connection, Garden-Bachop isn’t alone either.
Former All Blacks captain and Hurricanes icon Tana Umaga is Moana’s coach, while former teammate Julian Savea made the move north from Wellington in 2024.
Garden-Bachop’s Lions teammates, and 2024 title winners, Losi Filipo and Pepesana Patafilo, are also on board for this season.
But without question, the biggest arrival is another ex-Wellingtonian, not to mention former World Rugby player of the year – Ardie Savea.
The 31-year-old’s arrival is arguably the most significant single player transfer in the history of Super Rugby, and has breathed new life into the team, Umaga said.
Savea has been more than open about his want to give back to his parents’ Samoan heritage with his move to Moana, sentiments shared by brother Julian as well.
As one of the game’s biggest names, Savea could have signed for any team in the world. But his decision to give back to his family and his Pasifika roots isn’t lost on his teammates – new and old.
“It’s pretty surreal to be honest,” Garden-Bachop said of Savea. “I don’t know if he signed just before or just after me, but when I heard the rumour, [I said] ‘there’s no way that could be happening’.
“He’s put his people first there. When you’re a player as good as him and a person like him, you have the power to bring a wave of energy to a movement.
“That’s what he’s done here. The energy we’ve got from fans, from new fans, just from one player is crazy. The whole organisation and the whole team is so grateful he made this decision.
“He’ll be keen, more importantly, to come in and contribute as a player, and help us get wins.”
Naturally, boasting a player of Savea’s calibre has changed the equation of what’s possible for Moana.
Since its inception in 2022, Moana has managed just seven wins across three seasons. While 2024 did see an upward trajectory, by winning four games against Australian opposition, there is still plenty to do to contend for finals football.
In the same time, the Fijian Drua, who also entered Super Rugby in 2022, albeit after already existing in Australia’s National Rugby Championship club competition, have made the finals twice.
But as far as Garden-Bachop is concerned, there is no reason why his new side shouldn’t still be in the picture come the pointy end of the season.
“I genuinely think we should make the finals – if we play to the best of our ability,” he explained.
“If we’re in the finals, I wouldn’t want to play against us. On a good day, we’re going to be tough to beat.
“We’ll be working hard to make sure those good days are going to happen more often.
“I’m excited about the opportunity we have.”
Rugby, though, is ultimately just a game. For all the successes on the field, players will always be impacted by what happens off it, good and bad.
And, with the perspective gained from his and his family’s tragedy, Garden-Bachop knows now where his priorities truly lie.
“What’s become very obvious is what’s important in life; being happy, doing things and being around people that make you happy.
“In terms of rugby, it gives perspective on what a win is, and what a loss is. At the end of the day, who’s around you? Are you loved? Are you loving them? That’s what’s really important.”
Alex Powell is an Online Sports Editor for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both Newshub and 1News.
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