Vainikolo takes refuge in rugby
Mon, 21 Jan 2008 08:49
Gloucester's star wing Lesley Vainikolo, in the search for some normality in his life after losing his father and brother in quick succession, has made the rugby field his refuge. The Tongan-born Vainikolo, who lost his brother Kava to a heart attack in December and his father Solomone at the start of January, returned to Gloucester two weeks after leaving for New Zealand to be with his family and got straight back into training with the side. "I just wanted to get back to work and get my head straight and take my mind off things," he told the BBC. "I got to train on Friday and Saturday and it felt good to get back on the rugby field. "God is the one who gives and takes. I was just looking for the challenge and I wanted to get my frustrations out, out there." England coach Brian Ashton, who added the former Rugby League international to his 32-man Six Nations squad on 9 January, will be closely monitoring his progress. Vainikolo's call-up came too late for his father to enjoy. However the wing said that seeing his family name up in lights at Twickenham on 2 February - when England opens its Six Nations campaign against Wales - was something he and his family were still looking forward to. "When I got the call I went straight to my dad and told him before I told the rest of my family," he said. "It lifted the Vainikolo family spirit and was a bit of good news that my dad's name is going to be up there soon. "I'm just taking life day by day and trying to get through the dark door I've gone through over the last couple of months. "At the moment, Gloucester have given me the light to get through and England is an extra bonus."
