France prop Uini Atonio has been forced to retire with a cardiac issue, club La Rochelle have confirmed.
The New Zealand-born 35-year-old tighthead, who played against Leinster in round three of the Champions Cup in Dublin on 10 January, is stable in intensive care in a French hospital.
Atonio, who has 68 international caps, was named in the French Six Nations squad last week and was due to face Ireland on Thursday week.
"Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Center following a suspected heart problem," read a statement on the Top 14 side's website.
"Medical examinations confirmed a cardiac event. His condition is now stable, and he remains under observation in intensive care.
"Following his hospitalisation, Uini will have to undergo a long period of convalescence. It is now confirmed that he will not be able to continue his playing career."
The powerful front row played over 300 games for Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle, winning the Champions Cup in 2022 and 2023.
He twice won the Six Nations with Les Bleus, in 2022 and 2025.
"Uini holds a special place in the history and heart of our club," added La Rochelle.
"This news deeply saddens us.
"The entire club wishes to express its unwavering and complete support to him and his family during this difficult time."
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