Very sad news on Wednesday. Uini Atonio must bring his career to an abrupt end because of a cardiac episode. Injured before Sunday’s match against Clermont, the international tighthead prop was ultimately admitted on Tuesday to the La Rochelle hospital on Tuesday, the club announced.

“Medical examinations have confirmed a cardiac event”, Stade Rochelais went on, while specifying that his “condition is stable” despite his admission to intensive care.

According to our colleagues at RMC, Atonio suffered a heart attack at the club’s facilities on Tuesday. The club doctor was able to attend to him quickly/

“This news affects us deeply. The entire club wishes to offer him and his family its total and unwavering support through this ordeal”. A giant of French and world rugby must therefore bring his immense career to a close.