By Cherry Picker
January 6 2009

Gloucester winger Lesley Vainikolo is out for the rest of the season after having an operation on a ruptured achilles tendon. In fact, the giant winger is not expected to be fit to train properly for up to seven months, which means he’ll just be ready in time to start pre-season training in the summer. Les picked up the injury when he tried to turn on the icy pitch at Kingsholm during the weekend win over Saracens, after he had helped to make the only Glaws try.
With james Simpson-Daniel still out injured, losing Big Les is a major blow for the club and for the team.
Coach Dean Ryan told the Citizen: “Les is a massive part of our squad, not just for his on-field contributions but because his personality is such an integral and vital part of the group.“It will naturally leave a very significant gap and with the injuries we have in the squad at the moment this could not have come at a worse time.”
Glaws go to Newcastle Falcons at the weekend, and the home team will be desperate to do well after their mauling at the hands of London Irish a few days ago.
That game might not be one of the toughest of the season, but it’s followed a week later by the Heineken Cup group decider at home to Cardiff Blues, with the HC return at Biarritz a week later.
What a time to lose an impact player like Les, who might not have weighed in with as many tries as he did last season, but always has to be watched by the opposition.  

Gloucester lose Volcano for the season

Discussion started by Shedloads (IP Logged), 06/01/2009 17:45

Shedloads
06/01/2009 17:45

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Message List Search Log In

Your Name:
Subject:

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net