On Wednesday morning La Rochelle released a statement that left the rugby world in shock

“Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Centre following a suspected heart problem. Medical examinations confirmed a heart attack. His condition is now stable and he remains, under supervision, in intensive care.”

“At the end of his hospitalisation, Uini will have to observe a long period of convalescence. It is now established that he will not be able to continue his playing career.”

“Uini occupies a special place in history and in the 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.”

Rugby prides itself on being a game for all shapes and sizes Atonio was the literal definition he was all shapes and all sizes depending on the time of year needless to say the varying shapes and sizes were all large ones.

Born on 26 March 1990 in Timaru, New Zealand, to Samoan parents, he began playing rugby at a young age before moving to France in 2011 after being spotted at a rugby tens tournament in Hong Kong. 

Atonio spent his entire professional club career at La Rochelle, making over 300 appearances and helping the team rise from the second division (Pro D2) into the top tier (Top 14). He was a key figure in their back-to-back European Rugby Champions Cup triumphs in 2022 and 2023. 

After qualifying for France on residency grounds, Atonio made his international debut in 2014 and went on to earn 68 caps for Les Bleus. He played a central role in France’s successful Six Nations campaigns, including the 2022 Grand Slam and the 2025 title win. 

At 6ft 5ins and nearly 24 stones a smile was never far away from the big man’s face even in the heat of battle and off the field he is the kindest of gentle giants.

The abrupt end to his playing career is overshadowed by the huge relief that he is still alive and as well as can be expected with a good recovery anticipated.