The rugby world has been left reeling by the shocking news that France Six Nations star Uini Atonio has suffered a heart attack, forcing his immediate retirement from the sport just days before the championship begins.
Career Ended by Cardiac Event
The 35-year-old prop, who was named in Fabien Galthie's 42-man squad for the forthcoming tournament, is currently in intensive care at La Rochelle Hospital Center. His club, Stade Rochelais, confirmed the devastating development on Tuesday, revealing that medical examinations had confirmed a cardiac event.
Stable but Facing Long Recovery
While Atonio's condition has stabilised, he remains under close observation in intensive care and faces what the club describes as a "long period of convalescence." The medical team has already informed the player that his professional rugby career is over.
"Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Center following a suspected heart problem," the club's official statement read. "Medical examinations confirmed a cardiac event. His condition is now stable, and he remains in intensive care under observation."
Six Nations Campaign Disrupted
The timing of this medical emergency is particularly cruel, coming just over a week before France's Six Nations campaign kicks off against Ireland on Thursday night. Atonio had been a key component of Galthie's plans for the championship, with his experience and physical presence expected to be crucial in the forward battles.
In response to the crisis, France have already called up Atonio's La Rochelle teammate Georges-Henri Colombe as cover, though the loss of such an established international represents a significant blow to their tournament preparations.
Club Expresses Profound Sadness
La Rochelle's statement conveyed the deep emotional impact of this development on the club where Atonio has played since 2011. "Uini holds a special place in the history and in the heart of our Club," the statement continued. "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."
The New Zealand-born tighthead, who qualified for France through residency after representing Samoa at under-20 level, earned his first cap against Fiji in 2014. His withdrawal from La Rochelle's clash with Clermont at the weekend was initially attributed to a suspected chest muscle injury, making the subsequent diagnosis of a heart attack all the more shocking.
Atonio's career, which began with Counties Manukau before his move to France thirteen years ago, has been abruptly terminated by this unexpected health crisis. The rugby community now unites in wishing the popular forward a full recovery as he begins his challenging rehabilitation journey.
