Ronan O’Gara pays emotional tribute to ‘exceptional’ Uini Atonio as squad are left ‘overwhelmed’ following heart attack
Ronan O'Gara pays emotional tribute to 'exceptional' Uini Atonio as squad are left 'overwhelmed' following heart attack
La Rochelle boss Ronan O’Gara has paid tribute to the “exceptional” Uini Atonio, who has sadly been hospitalised this week after suffering from a heart attack.
The giant prop is currently in intensive care after sustaining a cardiac event. His condition is stable, but he remains in hospital while he recovers.
The 35-year-old was named in Les Bleus’ wider Six Nations squad last week but was later withdrawn, signalling an end to his rugby career.
The squad “overwhelmed” while O’Gara “a bit out of it”
Speaking to the press on Friday, O’Gara stressed the severity of the situation.
“We were all a bit overwhelmed by emotion and the way things unfolded; it was awful,” he said.
“Since then, I’ve been a bit out of it. I haven’t been very much in control this week because it’s hard to see Uini [Atonio] in a small bed with wires everywhere.”
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At times struggling for words under the weight of the very obvious and understandable emotion, the 48-year-old spoke emotionally about the influence the big man has had on those around him.
“For me, it’s a huge privilege because I know him very well. I know all the things he does behind the scenes. That’s why I love this sport. To meet someone like him. There aren’t many like him in the world. That’s for sure,” he said.
“What he does with all the young people, what he does to integrate foreigners with the French, what he does when we’re going through a difficult time, what he does when we think we’re too strong.
“He’s an exceptional person, and I have to thank him for the emotions he’s given me since I’ve been here.
“I’m speechless because he’s truly exceptional.”
With France set to open the Six Nations on Thursday with a home match against Ireland, there’s no doubt the entire rugby community will have the world-class star on their minds.
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