The bulldozing former rugby league winger announced his arrival to Rugby Union by scoring 5 tries on debut against Leeds Carnegie.

Having signed from Bradford Bulls, Vainikolo signed a three-year contract at the start of the 2007-08 season. 

His strength and damaging runs make him one of the most explosive wingers in the Guinness Premiership.

He was included in England’s 2008 Six Nations squad and made his debut against Wales, coming off the bench. 

Les featured in all other Six Nation internationals and in total he scored 11 tries in his debut season and his ability to create and open space for others greatly increases Gloucester’s attacking threat from deep.

2008-9 saw Les in typically try scoring form with 8 from 17 appearances until suffering a season ending injury in January.

Big Les bounced back in style in 2009-10 and made nearly 30 appearances across all competitions and signed a new contract with the club in the spring.

He was playing a huge part in Gloucester's 2010-11 campaign until he injured a shoulder at Leeds in January and just made it back for the end of the season.

First team opportunities were harder to come by in 2011-12 although Big Les still played a big part particularly during the World Cup.

However, in January 2012, it was revealed that he would be moving to La Rochelle on a two and a half year deal with immediate effect bringing a memorable stay to an end.