France's prop Uini Atonio takes part in a training session at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco, on July 4, 2023. VALERY HACHE / AFP
France prop Uini Atonio has had to retire from all rugby with immediate effect after being hospitalized on Tuesday, January 28 after "a heart attack," his club La Rochelle announced in a statement.
The 35-year-old New Zealand-born star had been a pivotal figure for France, under coach Fabien Galthié, winning two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2022. He was still part of Galthié's plans, having been named in his initial squad last week for France's upcoming defense of their Six Nations crown.
"Atonio was admitted to La Rochelle hospital yesterday with a suspected cardiac problem," read the statement from the Top 14 club, where he has been since 2011. "The medical exams confirmed it was a heart attack. He is stable but he will remain, under surveillance, in intensive care. At the end of his stay in hospital, Uini has to undergo a long period of convalescence. It is clear he cannot pursue his career as a player."
Atonio, who was capped 68 times by France and won two Champions Cup trophies with his club, had pulled out of La Rochelle's match with Clermont on Sunday after suffering chest pain during the warm-up.
