France prop Uini Atonio has been forced to retire after he was admitted to an intensive care unit following a “cardiac event”.
The 35-year-old was taken to a hospital in La Rochelle on Tuesday with his club saying he suffered a suspected heart problem and is now in a stable condition.
“Following his hospitalisation, Uini will have to undergo a long period of recovery,” said French Top 14 side La Rochelle, his team since 2011.
Atonio, who was born in New Zealand, qualified to play for France through residency and made 68 appearances for his adoptive country.
He started all five games as France regained the Six Nations in 2025, and was selected in their provisional squad for this year’s tournament.
However, he withdrew from the party this week, with France Rugby yet to confirm the reason for Atonio’s departure.
Having been spotted at a rugby 10s tournament in Hong Kong, Atonio signed for La Rochelle for the 2011-12 season and remained with the club for his entire career.
He helped his side win promotion to the Top 14 in 2014, and was part of a squad that reached three successive Champions Cup finals between 2021 and 2023, winning the title in the latter two years.
Atonio played six times this season, with his first appearance coming in early December and the last against Harlequins in the Champions Cup on 18 January.
Related topics
- Rugby Union
- 16 March 2022
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