Team-mate Gael Fickou says France have lost the best prop they have ever had after Uini Atonio was forced to retire with a heart problem.
Atonio, 35, was taken to an intensive care unit at a hospital in La Rochelle on Tuesday after suffering from a “cardiac event”.
He is now in a stable condition.
“He was an incredible player with an extraordinary physique and amazing qualities,” Fickou told L’Equipe of 6ft 4in, 23st Atonio., external
“He was undoubtedly the best French prop we’ve ever had.”
Atonio pulled out of club side La Rochelle’s match against Clermont on Sunday after suffering chest pains and withdrew from France’s Six Nations squad the following day, before his admission to hospital on Tuesday.
“I’d already seen that he wasn’t feeling well during his team’s trip to Clermont,” said Fickou.
“I know him and found it strange. He’s not the type to fake it.
“He’s an exceptional player, but it’s the man I want to pay tribute to most of all.
“In a team, he’s a great guy, always smiling. I have so many memories; I looked at a lot of photos with him this afternoon. I hope there will be more.
“Uini has left his mark. He probably would have preferred a different ending, but that’s life. Rugby isn’t eternal, but friendship is.”
New Zealand-born Atonio won 68 caps for France, was part of their 2022 Grand Slam-winning side and started all five games in their title-winning Six Nations campaign in 2025.