A Bond Beyond Blood: The Story of Jackson and Connor Garden-Bachop

Jackson Garden-Bachop has often described his brother Connor not just as family but as his closest friend. Their connection, woven through years of sibling rivalry and shared experiences, reflects a unique bond that many aspire to have. Jackson once remarked, “He annoyed the s*** out of me when we were younger, but as we got older we became friends.” This evolution from playful annoyance to deep friendship exemplifies the richness of sibling relationships—especially when held together by love, laughter, and shared life journeys.

A Life Full of Love and Laughter

Tragically, the world recently lost Connor who, at just 31 years old, left behind a legacy that resonated with those who knew him. As a devoted father to five-year-old twins, Connor’s life was marked by tenderness and joy. Jackson shared that the tributes the family received following Connor’s passing were overwhelming but fitting, emphasizing the indelible mark Connor left on everyone he encountered. Jackson reflected that Connor’s ability to make an authentic connection was evident to all—“He was always himself,” he said, evoking memories filled with warmth and genuine affection.

Navigating Grief and Seeking Family

In light of this loss, Jackson faced tough choices, needing to prioritize family over career. After negotiating an end to his contract in France, he returned home to New Zealand, joining Moana Pasifika—an ambition he and Connor had dreamed about during their youth. Their cousin, former coach Aaron Mauger, would lead the team they eagerly envisioned playing for together. Additionally, Jackson returned to the Wellington Lions, where he had previously shared on-field moments with Connor, highlighting those years as the pinnacle of his rugby career.

A Sporting Legacy

The Garden-Bachop siblings come from a remarkable sporting lineage, with their father Stephen being an All Black and their mother Sue a noteworthy Black Fern. Despite this, Jackson has always emphasized that there was never pressure to outdo these family heroes. Instead, their achievements served as a source of inspiration. “There was no expectation from Mum and Dad to reach those heights,” he affirmed, acknowledging how this support fueled his drive to push beyond limits.

The Challenge of Distance

Jackson’s professional journey took him far at times—on different ends of the world, leaving behind the physical presence of family. His relocation to Japan in 2022 created long gaps between visits, deepening a sense of shock upon losing Connor. This poignant realization of their stark absence compounds the ongoing journey of coming to terms with grief. Such experiences echo deeply with Jackson, who lost his mother to leukemia when he was just 14 years old.

Parenting Through Grief

As Jackson and his wife Rosie navigate their own paths through this complex emotional labyrinth, they are also focused on guiding their three children—Marley, Milo, and Matiu—through understanding the concept of loss. “There were some tricky conversations we had to have around life and death,” Jackson admitted, helping children comprehend why their beloved Uncle Connor is no longer with them. The innocence of childhood combined with the weight of such revelations leads to heartfelt moments of connection—they acknowledge his presence in their lives, often saying, “I miss Uncle Connor.”

A Growing Family

Jackson and Rosie had welcomed Matiu not long before Connor’s passing, noting that while he was their fourth child, it came as a loving surprise. The couple’s journey into parenthood has deepened their connection and commitment to one another. Reflecting on their early days together, Jackson mused about the spontaneity of becoming a father mere months after meeting Rosie. Their love story, unexpected yet beautifully unfolding, formed a solid foundation for their family.

Life Beyond Rugby

While Jackson’s rugby career is still in full swing, it’s evident that his priorities have shifted. Reflecting on the small and precious moments with family is now at the forefront of his life. As he cherishes each milestone—from watching Marley learn to read to cheering Milo at his rugby matches—he recognizes the inherent joy in these seemingly ordinary experiences. “I’ve learned to appreciate all the small things that come my way day to day,” he remarked, a testament to how grief has reframed his outlook on life.

In the wake of loss, Jackson Garden-Bachop’s story resonates deeply—it’s not only about rugby triumphs or familial expectations but rather the essence of connection, love, and human experience. As he continues to navigate this complex tapestry of life, filled with joy, grief, and growth, his bond with Connor remains a guiding light through the challenges ahead.