The French rugby scene reels from the shocking news that Uini Atonio, a colossal figure in the sport, has been forced into retirement following a severe heart attack. At 35, the tighthead prop who has been a pivotal force both for France and La Rochelle, now faces a long road to recovery after being placed in intensive care.
Atonio, a stalwart of French rugby, was recently named in the expanded squad for the upcoming Six Nations championship but had to withdraw suddenly. His club, La Rochelle, disclosed the distressing details, stating that Atonio was hospitalized after experiencing a suspected heart problem, later confirmed as a cardiac event. While now stable, he remains under close observation in intensive care, with his condition putting a premature end to his illustrious playing career.
"Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Centre following a suspected heart problem. Medical examinations confirmed a cardiac event. His condition is now stable, and he remains in intensive care under observation,"
The club also expressed their deep sorrow over Atonio's situation and extended their full support to him and his family during this challenging period. "
"Following his hospitalisation, Uini will have to undergo a long period of recovery. It is now established that he will not be able to continue his playing career. Uini holds a special place in the history and in the heart of our Club. This news deeply saddens us. The entire Club wishes to express its unwavering and total support to him and his family during this difficult time."
A New Zealand native, Atonio's rugby journey is notable. Starting his career in France with La Rochelle in 2011 after playing for Samoa at age-grade level, he chose to represent France, qualifying under World Rugby’s residency laws. Since his Test debut in 2014, Atonio earned more than 60 caps, becoming an integral part of the French squad under coach Fabien Galthie. Known for his formidable presence as a scrummager and his agility in the loose, Atonio's influence was palpable. Despite announcing retirement post the 2023 World Cup, he was persuaded to return, contributing significantly to France's 2025 Six Nations triumph.
Unfortunately, his comeback was cut short by this health scare, culminating in what was his final game against Harlequins in the Investec Champions Cup. Atonio's unexpected exit from the sport he dominated is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even the mightiest face.
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The French rugby scene reels from the shocking news that Uini Atonio, a colossal figure in the sport, has been forced into retirement following a severe heart attack. At 35, the tighthead prop who has been a pivotal force both for France and La Rochelle, now faces a long road to recovery after being placed in intensive care.
Atonio, a stalwart of French rugby, was recently named in the expanded squad for the upcoming Six Nations championship but had to withdraw suddenly. His club, La Rochelle, disclosed the distressing details, stating that Atonio was hospitalized after experiencing a suspected heart problem, later confirmed as a cardiac event. While now stable, he remains under close observation in intensive care, with his condition putting a premature end to his illustrious playing career.
"Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Centre following a suspected heart problem. Medical examinations confirmed a cardiac event. His condition is now stable, and he remains in intensive care under observation,"
The club also expressed their deep sorrow over Atonio's situation and extended their full support to him and his family during this challenging period. "
"Following his hospitalisation, Uini will have to undergo a long period of recovery. It is now established that he will not be able to continue his playing career. Uini holds a special place in the history and in the heart of our Club. This news deeply saddens us. The entire Club wishes to express its unwavering and total support to him and his family during this difficult time."
A New Zealand native, Atonio's rugby journey is notable. Starting his career in France with La Rochelle in 2011 after playing for Samoa at age-grade level, he chose to represent France, qualifying under World Rugby’s residency laws. Since his Test debut in 2014, Atonio earned more than 60 caps, becoming an integral part of the French squad under coach Fabien Galthie. Known for his formidable presence as a scrummager and his agility in the loose, Atonio's influence was palpable. Despite announcing retirement post the 2023 World Cup, he was persuaded to return, contributing significantly to France's 2025 Six Nations triumph.
Unfortunately, his comeback was cut short by this health scare, culminating in what was his final game against Harlequins in the Investec Champions Cup. Atonio's unexpected exit from the sport he dominated is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even the mightiest face.