Atkins left Exeter Chiefs after four years to join French side Rouen in the Pro D2 for the 2019–20 season.[4] Afterwards, he returned to his home nation in Australia to rejoin Western Force for the 2020 Super Rugby AU season.[5]
On 13 November 2020, Atkins returns to England back in the Premiership Rugby with Gloucester from the 2020–21 season.[6]