French prop Uini Atonio, who has earned 68 caps for Les Bleus, is currently receiving treatment in intensive care at La Rochelle Hospital following a cardiac event.
The 35-year-old, who had been selected for France’s upcoming Six Nations campaign, has been removed from the national squad.
In devastating news for the rugby world, medical professionals have confirmed that Atonio will be unable to continue his professional playing career.
His club La Rochelle announced that the veteran front-rower faces a lengthy rehabilitation period, bringing an abrupt end to a distinguished career spanning more than a decade at the highest level.
La Rochelle issued a statement confirming the concerning development, revealing that Atonio “was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Center following a suspected heart problem”.
The club added: “Medical examinations confirmed a cardiac event. His condition is now stable, and he remains in intensive care under observation.”
Looking ahead, the Top 14 outfit stated: “Following his hospitalisation, Uini will have to undergo a long period of recovery.
Uini Atonio won’t be playing at the Six Nations this winter
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“It is now established that he will not be able to continue his playing career.”
The news marks a sudden and premature conclusion to what has been an exceptional career at both club and international level.
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In their statement, La Rochelle paid tribute to the significance of Atonio’s contribution to the club, declaring: “Uini holds a special place in the history and in the heart of our club.”
The French outfit expressed their sorrow at the circumstances, adding: “This news deeply saddens us.”
Offering their full backing during this challenging period, the club concluded: “The entire club wishes to express its unwavering and total support to him and his family during this difficult time.”
The outpouring of emotion reflects the profound impact Atonio has made during his years with the maritime club, where he became a beloved figure among supporters and teammates alike.
Uini Atonio has won 68 caps for France throughout his rugby career
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Atonio was born in New Zealand and represented Samoa at Under-20 level before relocating to France in 2011 after being spotted by La Rochelle’s head coach at a rugby tournament in Hong Kong.
The powerful prop helped the club secure promotion from the second tier and subsequently became a cornerstone of their Top 14 and Champions Cup campaigns.
Under Ronan O’Gara’s guidance, he played a pivotal role in consecutive European championship triumphs in 2022 and 2023, even wearing the captain’s armband against Harlequins on January 18 in what proved to be his final match.
France commence their Six Nations title defence against Ireland on February 5.
