There was one last hurrah for two of Europe’s leading competitions – Top 14 and United Rugby Championship (URC) before closing for the Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
There was one last hurrah for two of Europe’s leading competitions – Top 14 and United Rugby Championship (URC) before closing for the Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
In France, there was a sad and sudden farewell to Atonio Unii’s career, as the France and La Rochelle prop was forced to step down after he suffered a “cardiac event,” that has left him out of the Six Nations, in intensive care, and facing a long road to recovery.
Elsewhere in Europe, squads started to assemble for pre-Six Nations preparations, as the countdown to the Championship’s start in less than a week.
Down in New Zealand the fall out from Scott Robertson’s sacking rumbled on, and across the Tasman one cross-code star welcomed another with open arms.
Here’s what’s been rattling round ATR’s ears this week….
“We were all a bit overwhelmed by emotion and the way things unfolded; it was awful. 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. I know all the things he does behind the scenes. To meet someone like him. There aren’t many like him in the world.”
La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara sums up his feelings towards Atonio:
“In a team, he's a great guy, always smiling. I have so many memories; I looked at a lot of photos with 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.”
Atonio’s France teammate Gael Fickou is grateful to still have Atonio around:
“It’s going to be sad for us seeing him go to the Stormers, but he’s still got a job to do for us until the end of the season.”
Sharks coach JP Pietersen knows there will be a Siya Kolisi-shaped hole in his side:
“No World Cup has ever been won by a coach from another nation; they’ve always been coaches of their country of origin. So, I think it’s critically important that you get a New Zealander.”
Former Rugby Australia chair Hamish McLennan gives the NZRU’s recruitment approach his backing:
“I can't express my feelings because I'd be quite angry. But I want to say that no, I'm not satisfied. And I hope no one is. if the players are happy to get a point, good for them. But personally, I'm not happy with it.”
Clermont coach Christophe Urios isn’t hiding his feeling after another defeat:
“It was not easy (for my parents) to see their only son having surgery. My foot was cold, it was really very white, like an inanimate limb. They were much more afraid than me, especially when I was told that in a few days, I could have ended up one-legged.”
French tyro Kalvin Gourgues reveals a blood clotting problem could have stopped his career:
“It’s important that we show progression in this tournament, not only from the autumn, but from the last Six Nations as well. As captain, it’s my responsibility to lead that, and I’m looking forward to doing that.”
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu knows they need a memorable Six Nations showing:
“After the round 10 BKT United Rugby Championship fixture on Saturday, January 24 at Dexcom Stadium, Galway, the player is alleged to have engaged with the match official team on several occasions in a manner which may be deemed to be in breach of the league’s disciplinary rules related to misconduct.”
Ireland and Connacht’s Bundee Aki may be late to Ireland’s Six Nations camp:
“From the outside, you want more rugby, a tighter narrative, more immediate gratification. From the inside though, those pauses are often what allow players to perform at their best when it really counts. What’s best for the players isn’t always the same as what’s best for the product, and the challenge is getting that balance right.”
Ex-Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar questions the removal of the second Six Nations fallow week:
“I do qualify for five countries. I’ve got a broad array of countries I’m associated with. I did play for Spain at the U20 Level, and I was invited to join the Spanish camp. The World Cup would be a very special moment for my family and me if that were to happen. But I feel a strong sense of determination to play more for the Chiefs and to remain English-qualified.”
Exeter Chiefs’ Julian Heaven says “no, gracias” to Spain’s approach:
“I definitely had to prove my worth to the team, and I had some mental issues that were stopping my potential. I worked hard on those things off the field; they kind of just sprang up on the field, and it just became second nature to me. I think it was just a lack of confidence and experience. Those two South Africa games (in the 2024 Rugby Championship) were my chance to really go out there and show my worth. I feel like I did that, and it just continued on from there.”
New Zealand second row Tupou Vaai'I admits it took time to find his place in the All Blacks:
“You could feel the buzz around the group from the boys, to have someone, such a high calibre player (sign with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs). Played Origin, played for Australia, he’s done so many things in the game of rugby league. It’s exciting to see where he’s going to play and what he’s going to do.”
Joseph Suaalii can’t wait to be reunited with Angus Crichton:
“Playing for Tonga has always been a huge honour for me and my family. Representing the All Blacks was a dream that once felt impossible, but with the help of a lot of people, it became possible. Now there’s another opportunity with Tonga at a World Cup. If I’m good enough, I’d be proud to represent them again.”
No hiding Malakai Fekitoa’s desire to play for Tonga again:
“Sloppy today, but I have built over these two games and it’s better (to be sloppy now) than in the first round.”
Carter Gordon is making his mistakes before the Super Rugby season begins: