Source: Radio New Zealand
Uini Atonio celebrates after scoring against Wales. ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo, ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Timaru-born French test prop Uini Atonio has suffered a heart attack, according to a statement released by his club La Rochelle. Atonio in a stable condition in intensive care after being admitted to hospital following the event.
After initially retiring from test rugby after the 2023 World Cup, the 35-year-old tighthead was selected for the French squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament. However La Rochelle have said the event will mean the end of Atonio’s playing career.
“Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Centre following a suspected heart problem,” read La Rochelle’s statement.
“Medical examinations confirmed a cardiac event. His condition is now stable, and he remains in intensive care under observation. 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.
“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.”
After growing up in Timaru, Atonio’s family moved to Auckland and he attended Wesley College. At 21 he moved to France and joined La Rochelle after being spotted at in the Hong Kong 10s tournament and has played a remarkable 319 games for the two-time European champions.
In 2014 he became eligible to play for France. At 149kgs and standing 1.96m, Atonio is among the largest players to ever take the field in a test match, having represented his adopted nation 65 times including the French Grand Slam-winning side of 2022.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
