French prop Uini Atonio retires after suffering heart attack, remains in intensive care in hospital
Published 28/01/2026 at 14:09 GMT
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The rugby world paid tribute to France and La Rochelle prop Uini Atonio on Wednesday, after it was confirmed the 35-year-old had retired from rugby after suffering a heart attack. The New Zealand-born forward was a mainstay for the French national team and his club, where he played for 15 years. He had been included in the France squad for the upcoming Six Nations.
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France prop Uini Atonio has retired from rugby union after suffering a heart attack that has left him in intensive care in hospital.
The 35-year-old was included in the France squad for the upcoming Six Nations but was forced to withdraw earlier this week.
Atonio is in a "stable condition" in hospital, his club, La Rochelle, said in a statement.
"Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Center following a suspected heart problem," the statement read.
"Medical examinations confirmed a heart attack. His condition is now stable and he remains under surveillance in intensive care.
"At the end of his hospitalisation, Uini will have to observe 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 heart of our club. This news touches us deeply. The entire club wishes to send him and his family its total and unwavering support in this ordeal."
Atonio was born in New Zealand but qualified for France through residency, going on to make 68 appearances for Les Blues.
The powerful forward played a big part in his country's Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022, and played all five games as France retained the title in 2025.
He spent the entirety of his career with La Rochelle after joining the club in 2011, making over 300 appearances.
Atonio was spotted at a rugby 10s tournament in Hong Kong as a youngster, and proved a shrewd acquisition for La Rochelle.
He went on to help his team to promotion to the Top 14 in 2014, before playing a key role as they reached three successive Champions Cup finals between 2021 and 2023.
He made six appearances this season, the last of which was against Harlequins in the Champions Cup on January 18.
Atonio was known for his imposing size: 6ft 5 and 149kg.
In a post on social media, France Rugby wrote: "All our support for your recovery, health above all. We're with you, Uini."
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