Vainikolo Looking Forward To ‘Getting Stuck In’ For Connacht
Connacht’s Tongan Rugby World Cup ace Fetu’u Vainikolo returned to Galway this week as the province gear up for their forthcoming run of RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup matches.
Fetu’u Vainikolo played a huge role in Tonga’s narrow defeat to Canada at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. He impressed the management enough to gain enough start against Japan the following week.
The 26-year-old winger marked the occasion with a magnificent try as the Tongans secured their first victory of the tournament, beating the Japanese 31-18.
Vainikolo, who was born in Tofoa, Tonga, played with Northland, Otago and the Highlanders before joining Connacht in the summer.
He was part of Tonga’s World Cup squad along with Soane Tonga’uiha (Northanpton Saints), Taufa’ao Filise (Cardiff Blues) and former Connacht centre Andrew Ma’ilei.
Commenting on his return to Connacht, Vainikolo said: “Playing for my home country was a huge honour and being part of the World Cup was an amazing experience.
“For some players it’s a once in a lifetime achievement, so I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to test myself at the highest level.
“Being back in the Connacht squad is great, the weather isn’t quite the same but it’s good to be back involved with the team and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the league now.”