Vainikolo: explosive

The last few days we have been taking every possible precaution and looking at worst case scenarios,

Dean Ryan
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Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan has told Sky Sports News of his relief that Lesley Vainikolo's neck injury is not as serious as first feared.

The winger will return to first team action next month after scans revealed no serious damage to his neck.

Vainikolo was injured during his team's 38-31 Guinness Premiership victory over Saracens on Sunday.

The Tongan-born winger - known as the 'Volcano' for his explosive performances - was trapped at the bottom of a ruck midway through the second half and was substituted as a precaution.

Assessed

Having been assessed at Watford General Hospital after the match, Vainikolo underwent follow-up scans at The Princess Grace Hospital in London.

"It's good news today," Ryan said. "The last few days we have made sure we have got all the information available and Lesley has undertaken a number of scans.

"Today we have been told that there is no damage to any part of his neck or any disc trouble. He has got a muscular injury around there and it is much better news than it could have been.

"He has still got some pain around there. The last few days we have been taking every possible precaution and looking at worst case scenarios.

"Now we can get him up, get him moving. It's very short term. We are talking weeks rather than months, which is obviously good news for Lesley and for Gloucester.

Return

Vainikolo scored five tries on his union debut at Leeds after switching codes from Bradford Bulls and Ryan is looking forward to the winger's imminent return.

"We are only two games in but without a doubt he is making a super impact and he has been a great addition to our squad," Ryan added.

"We are grateful that his absence will only be short term and he can get on with learning the game and evolving into a much better player.

"He is enjoying the game and we are enjoying him being here. He brings something different to what we have had in the past."

Vainikolo will be monitored in hospital for the next couple of days and will return home on Thursday.