Ryan - Don't rush Les

Gloucester head coach wants Vainikolo eased into England side

Last updated: 22nd January 2008

Lesley Vainikolo England training

Vainikolo: Still learning the game

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Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan has called on England not to rush Lesley Vainikolo's progress.

Vainikolo has made a huge impact since switching from rugby league, with the Tongan-born winger scoring five tries on his debut.

That earned Vainikolo a surprise call-up into England's squad for the RBS Six Nations - with coach Brian Ashton hailing his 'wow factor'.

However, having only played 10 games since his high-profile move from Bradford Bulls, Vainikolo is still learning the game - and Ryan wants his star man treated carefully.

Ryan has already seen Vainikolo spared the glare of the media spotlight after Ashton agreed to give the 28-year-old more time to settle into the squad and to grieve the double family tragedy that saw his brother and father die within weeks of each other.

And Ryan told the Gloucestershire Echo: "Les has been incorporated in the England squad to grow.

"It's only six months since he came from another sport. He's been fantastic to work with here and we've still got lots more to do.

"The danger is throwing everything on to one game, like the Wales game."