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 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." "I'd already seen that he wasn't feeling well during his team's trip to Clermont," said Fickou. "He's an exceptional player, but it's the man I want to pay tribute to most of all.