France’s Uini Atonio Ruled Out of New Zealand Clash with Calf Injury
PARIS, 28 January 2026 – The French national rugby team has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their upcoming test match, with experienced tighthead prop Uini Atonio officially ruled out of Saturday’s fixture against New Zealand at the Stade de France. Forwards coach William Servat confirmed the news at a press conference, citing a calf injury sustained several weeks ago while playing for his club, Stade Rochelais.
Injury Blow for Les Bleus
The 35-year-old front-row forward, a cornerstone of the French scrum, has not recovered sufficiently to be considered for selection. Although named in the initial 42-man squad this week, Atonio did not participate in Tuesday’s training session. His absence adds to a growing injury list for coach Fabien Galthié, who is already without the services of François Cros, Damian Penaud, and Théo Attissogbe.
Servat indicated that Atonio is expected to be fit for France’s third and final November test against Argentina on 22 November. In his absence, Bayonne’s Tevita Tatafu, who earned his first cap against Japan earlier in the autumn series, is in line to start at tighthead prop. Stade Rochelais’ Georges-Henri Colombe, who was a replacement against Japan, is likely to provide cover from the bench.
Profile of a French Pillar
Uini Atonio, born in Timaru, New Zealand to Samoan parents on 26 March 1990, qualifies for France on residency grounds and has been a mainstay of the national side since his debut in 2014. Standing at 1.96 metres and weighing 145 kilograms, his physical presence has been a key asset for both club and country.
Discovered by former coach Patrice Collazo at a rugby tens tournament in Hong Kong, Atonio moved to La Rochelle in 2011. He captained the club to promotion to the Top 14 in 2014 and has remained fiercely loyal, rejecting offers from larger clubs to build a legacy on the Atlantic coast. His honours with La Rochelle include back-to-back European Rugby Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023.
Key Facts & Career Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Uini Atonio |
| Date of Birth | 26 March 1990 (Age 35) |
| Place of Birth | Timaru, New Zealand |
| Nationality | French (Naturalised) |
| Position | Tighthead Prop |
| Height & Weight | 1.96 m, 145 kg |
| Current Club | Stade Rochelais (Since 2011) |
| International Caps (France) | 68 |
| International Tries | 2 |
| Major Honours (France) | Six Nations Championship (2022 – Grand Slam, 2025) |
| Major Honours (Club) | European Rugby Champions Cup (2022, 2023) |
Past Disciplinary Record
Atonio’s career has not been without controversy. During the 2023 Six Nations Championship, he received a three-week suspension for a dangerous high tackle on Ireland hooker Rob Herring. The independent judicial committee reduced the ban from six weeks due to his immediate admission of guilt, exemplary disciplinary record, and genuine remorse.
In a separate incident from 2017, the prop received a suspended sentence from a French court for his involvement in a nightclub altercation in La Rochelle, during which another man sustained a broken jaw.
Future Prospects and Coaching
Now in the latter stages of his career, Atonio has begun to explore a future in coaching. He has spent time with the staff of both Stade Rochelais and the French national team, observing training and strategy sessions. However, in a recent interview with Sud-Ouest, he emphasised that his primary focus remains on playing.
“My priority is to remain a player,” Atonio stated. “I am not completely part of the staff. I am more 100% focused on my rehabilitation to get back on the field. I will not devote myself 100% to being a coach when in a few months I might be back on the pitch.” He did, however, acknowledge an interest in mentoring younger players and passing on his considerable experience at the scrum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Uini Atonio not playing against New Zealand?
Uini Atonio is sidelined with a calf injury sustained while playing for Stade Rochelais in a Top 14 match several weeks ago. Despite being in the squad, he has not been able to train fully and has been withdrawn from selection.
Who will replace him in the French team?
Bayonne prop Tevita Tatafu, who made his debut against Japan, is the favourite to start in the number 3 jersey. Stade Rochelais’ Georges-Henri Colombe is expected to be the replacement tighthead prop on the bench.
How many times has Atonio been capped for France?
As of January 2026, Uini Atonio has earned 68 caps for the French national team since his debut in November 2014.
What is Uini Atonio’s background?
Born in New Zealand to Samoan parents, Atonio played for Samoa at U20 level before moving to France in 2011. He qualified to play for France on residency grounds in 2014 and has since become a key figure for Les Bleus, winning two Six Nations titles.