France's Gael Fickou has lauded Uini Atonio as "the best prop we've ever had" following his forced retirement due to a heart problem.

Atonio had been named in France's provisional squad for the upcoming Six Nations but was withdrawn earlier this week.

And on Tuesday, it was confirmed he had suffered a "cardiac event" and was taken into intensive care at a hospital in La Rochelle. He is now in a stable condition.

Atonio won 68 caps for France during his international career and was part of their 2022 Grand Slam-winning side. He also started all five games in their 2025 Six Nations triumph.

And Fickou acknowledged how big a miss Atonio will be going forward, hailing his impact.

"He was an incredible player with an extraordinary physique and amazing qualities," Fickou told L'Equipe of Atonio.

"He was undoubtedly the best French prop we've ever had."

Tout notre soutien pour ton rétablissement, la santé avant tout.

On est avec toi, Uini. pic.twitter.com/nqCTrWmVKh

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) January 28, 2026

Atonio pulled out of La Rochelle's match against Clermont on Sunday due to chest pains, with his withdrawal from the Six Nations squad following the day after.

"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 of 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."

France open their Six Nations campaign against Ireland on February 5 at the Stade de France.