French rugby icon forced to retire ahead of Ireland game after heart attack

Awful news.

The 35-year-old has won 68 caps for his country since 2014 and was named in Les Bleus' squad for the upcoming Six Nations, which begins against Ireland next Thursday.

A statement from his club Stade Rochelais says: "Medical examinations confirmed a heart attack. It is now established that he will not be able to continue his playing career.

“Uini Atonio was admitted yesterday to the La Rochelle Hospital Center following a suspected heart problem. Medical examinations confirmed a cardiac event.  Uini holds a special place in the history and in the heart of our club. This news deeply saddens us. The entire Stade Rochelais club wishes to express its unwavering and total support to him and his family during this difficult time.”

“Following his hospitalisation, Uini will have to undergo a long period of recovery. It is now established that he will not be able to continue his playing career."

According to reports he is in a stable condition in intensive care at a local hospital.