Uini Atonio
Uini Atonio is a former rugby union player who played as a prop. He spent most of his career with La Rochelle in France and played for France internationally. Born in Timaru, New Zealand, to Samoan parents, he later qualified to play for France through residency.
Club career
Atonio joined La Rochelle in 2011 after being spotted in Hong Kong in 2010. He helped the club move up to France’s Top 14 in 2014 and became a mainstay of the team for over a decade. He played 329 games for La Rochelle and scored 75 points. In European competition, he reached finals in 2021 and 2022, winning the 2022 European Rugby Champions Cup against Leinster.
International career
In 2009, Atonio played for Samoa U20. He qualified for France through residency and made his France debut on 8 November 2014 in a win over Fiji. He played in the 2015 Six Nations and the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and appeared in the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Six Nations Championships. He earned 68 caps for France and scored 10 points. In 2022, he started all five Six Nations games as France won the Grand Slam.
Personal life
Atonio says his son was born in France and he feels French, even singing the national anthem.
Retirement
On 28 January 2026, Atonio was hospitalised after a heart attack and announced his retirement from rugby at age 35.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 22:02 (CET).