Volcano erupts into England reckoning

TWICKENHAM is ready to witness its first volcanic eruption — and Wales could be the hapless victims.

England boss Brian Ashton has raised the distinct possibility of Lesley “Volcano” Vainikolo — arguably northern hemisphere rugby’s Jonah Lomu tribute act — being unleashed on Wales next month.

Having drafted the 28-year-old New Zealand rugby league international into his RBS 6 Nations squad, head coach Ashton could now hand him a starting place just nine games — and nine tries — into his Gloucester career.

Vainikolo, who claimed 149 touchdowns in 152 games for Bradford Bulls, joined Guinness Premiership leaders Gloucester on a lucrative contract last summer.

Grievous family problems in New Zealand twice forced him home either side of Christmas. He is currently 12,000 miles away, and will miss Gloucester’s crucial Heineken Cup clash against the Ospreys on Saturday.

But the 6ft 2in wing, who weighs in at something approaching 18 stone, has received a huge fillip with his selection in a 32-man group which includes fellow uncapped players Danny Cipriani, Richard Wigglesworth and Tom Croft.

Ashton’s first squad announcement since the 2007 World Cup final contained plenty of talking points, including the high-profile omissions of Josh Lewsey, Andy Farrell and Dan Hipkiss, but Vainikolo commanded top billing.

The Tonga-born juggernaut has New Zealand parents, yet he qualifies for England on residency grounds.

Ashton said: “I am as big a rugby league fan as I am a rugby union fan. I have seen him play for the last few seasons with the Bradford Bulls.

“When he switched to union it was interesting to see whether he would take time to adjust to the game.

“It has not quite been a seamless transition, but it has not been far off because he has played the game before.”

And England are not expecting any red-tape issues to strangle prospects of an early Vainikolo Test debut.

“We are waiting for one piece of final confirmation, from the Tongan Rugby Union, that he hasn’t played any representative rugby at any level for them,” said the RFU’s elite rugby director Rob Andrew.

“Lesley has signed a declaration saying he hasn’t.

“He has done his 36 months (residency) comfortably.

“He has applied for a British passport, and he will get it at some time in March or April, but that is irrelevant from an International Rugby Board eligibility point of view.”

Vainikolo’s Gloucester colleague, centre Mike Tindall and Sale Sharks fly-half Charlie Hodgson — who both missed the World Cup campaign — are back in favour.

England World Cup captain Phil Vickery is retained as skipper, who is among 20 of the original 30-man World Cup squad retained. At 36, Bristol hooker Mark Regan is the oldest player involved.