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Vainikolo seeks on-field solace
21/01/2008 9:01:54 AM
PA Sport
The rugby field has been a refuge for Lesley Vainikolo as he seeks normality in his life after a period of personal hardship.
The Tongan-born winger lost his brother Kava to a heart attack in December and his father Solomone, who suffered from asthma, at the start of January.
Each time he has made the round trip to New Zealand to be with his family, returning two weeks later and going straight back into the Gloucester team.
"I just wanted to get back to work and get my head straight and take my mind off things," said Vainikolo, a committed Christian who reads a passage from the bible his mother gave him before every game.
"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."
Vainikolo's demeanour will have been keenly monitored by England head coach Brian Ashton, who has named the former Kiwis rugby league international in his 32-man squad for the Six Nations.
His call-up came too late for Solomone to enjoy, but Vainikolo cannot wait to see his family name up in lights at Twickenham when England opens its Six Nations campaign against Wales on February 2.
"When I got the call I went straight to my dad and told him before I told the rest of my family," Vainikolo proudly stated.
"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."