Name Uini Atonio Weight 155 kg | Height 1.97 m | |
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Similar People Rory Kockott, Eddy Ben Arous, Patrice Collazo, Yoann Maestri, Vincent Debaty | ||
Uini atonio tribute xv de france
Uini Atonio ([wi.ni a.to.niː.o]; born 26 March 1990) is a New Zealand born professional rugby union footballer of Samoan heritage who represents France internationally. His usual position is tighthead prop. He currently plays for French club La Rochelle. BBC named him as the biggest forward in 2015 World Cup.
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Uini atonio le monstre rochelais
Early life
Uini (pronounced Weeny) Atonio was born in Timaru, New Zealand to Samoan parents. He attended Wesley College, Auckland, where he played rugby for the 1st XV and was invited to join the Counties Manukau rugby academy.
He represented Samoa Under 20s at the 2009 IRB Junior World Championship in Japan.
Rugby career
Atonio joined the Counties Manukau ITM Cup squad in 2010. He was recruited by Patrice Collazo to join La Rochelle for the 2011–12 Pro D2 season. In 2014, he completed the required three years of residency to qualify for France internationally, and was included in the 30-man France squad for the 2014 November internationals. He made his debut for France in their 40–15 win over Fiji on 8 November 2014.
