Uini Atonio

Born on March 26, 1990, in Timaru, New Zealand, to Samoan parents, Uini Atonio embarked on his rugby journey at the age of five with the amateur club Harlequins RFC. In 2000, his family relocated to Auckland, where he attended Wesley College in Pukekohe. During his time at Wesley College, Uini and his older brother Vau developed a passion for acting, participating in the Black Friars theatre group, which focused on Shakespearean plays. This artistic background shaped a unique aspect of his early development. His rugby career continued to progress, joining Counties Manukau at sixteen, where he played until 2011.

A significant turning point in Atonio’s career occurred when he moved to France at the age of 21. On July 1, 2011, he joined the French club La Rochelle, then in the French second tier (Pro D2), after being scouted at a rugby tens tournament in Hong Kong. He quickly became an integral part of the team, playing fourteen games in his first season and steadily increasing his appearances. His consistent performance was crucial in La Rochelle’s promotion to the Top 14 in 2014, establishing him as a cornerstone of the club. His international career began in 2014 when he debuted for the France national team in November, qualifying through residency after living in La Rochelle since 2011. He has since earned 68 caps for France.

Throughout his career, Atonio has achieved numerous milestones with both his club and national team. With La Rochelle, he played a key role in their victories in the European Rugby Champions Cup in 2022 and 2023. He also contributed to their runner-up finishes in the Champions Cup (2021), Challenge Cup (2019), and Top 14 (2021, 2023). For the French national team, he was part of the squad that secured the Six Nations Championship in 2022, achieving France’s first Grand Slam since 2010. He also participated in the 2015 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, highlighting his enduring contribution to top-tier rugby.