The sports world rallies around the champion after the terrible news

The sports world is showing great sensitivity to Uini Atonio: on social media, many rugby clubs and others have sent messages of support to the French champion. On Wednesday, his club, Stade rochelais, announced that Atonio will no longer be able to play.

“Uini Atonio was admitted Tuesday to the La Rochelle Hospital Center following a suspected heart problem and medical tests confirmed a heart complication. His condition is now stable and he remains in intensive care under observation. After admission to the hospital, Uini will have to undergo a long period of convalescence. 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 saddens us deeply. The’entire Club wishes to express its unwavering and total support to him and his family at this difficult time” reads the note.

The son of Samoan parents, Atonio was born and raised in New Zealand. In 2009 he participated in the Youth World Cup with Samoa Under-20 and the following year he made his ITM Cup debut with Counties Manukau. In 2011 he was noticed by French coach Patrice Collazo, who offered Atonio a contract with La Rochelle to play in the French Pro D2.

Completed his three-year residency in France and obtained his eligibility, the champion made his international debut with the French national team against Fiji in Marseille on November 8, 2014. He was later called up to play in the 2015 Rugby World Cup where he collected one appearance playing against Romania in the group stage.

After a period of absence from the French national team, Atonio from 2020 onward was always summoned by new coach Fabien Galthié and was on the list of the 42 champions who would play in the 2026 Six Nations. Obviously he won&#8217t be able to participate but the important thing is that he recovers as best he can.