French international rugby union prop Uini Atonio is currently in a stable condition within an intensive care unit, following his admission to hospital after suffering a serious cardiac event. The 35-year-old tighthead's professional playing career has been confirmed as over as a result of this health crisis.
Club Confirms Career-Ending Diagnosis
His club, Top 14 side La Rochelle, issued a formal statement confirming the grave situation. "Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Center following a suspected heart problem," the club declared. "Medical examinations confirmed a cardiac event. His condition is now stable, and he remains in intensive care under observation."
The statement continued with the sobering prognosis for his sporting future: "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." This development led to his immediate withdrawal from Fabien Galthie's France squad for the upcoming Six Nations championship on Monday.
A Pillar of French Rugby
Atonio has been a cornerstone of the French national team, earning 68 caps since his international debut in 2014. He was an integral part of the side that secured a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022, providing formidable scrummaging power and experience.
Born in New Zealand to Samoan parents, Atonio's journey to European rugby stardom began when he was spotted at a tournament in Hong Kong. He subsequently joined La Rochelle in 2011, when the club was competing in the second-tier ProD2 division.
Architect of La Rochelle's Success
His tenure at the club coincided with its remarkable ascent to the summit of European club rugby. Under the guidance of director of rugby Ronan O'Gara, Atonio was a vital figure in La Rochelle's transformation into back-to-back Champions Cup winners, cementing his legacy as a club legend.
Such was his popularity and connection to the region that he even launched his own brand of beer, brewed locally in La Rochelle. The club's statement reflected the profound sense of loss, noting: "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."
The rugby world now awaits further updates on Atonio's health, as he begins a challenging period of recovery away from the sport that defined his professional life.
