Vainikolo in Tonga tour squad

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs winger Fetu'u Vainikolo has been named in the Tongan touring squad for their forthcoming Autumn internationals in Europe.

The 28-year-old, who signed last summer from Irish province Connacht, will be hoping to add to his nine international caps by featuring in all three of Tonga's fixtures against Romania, France and Wales.

The South Sea Islanders kick-off their Autumn Series against Romania on Saturday, November 9 in Bucharest before then face France in Le Havre a week later on November 16. They wrap up their programme against Wales, who they face at the Millennium Stadium on Friday, November 22.

Vainikolo is one of a number of Premiership stars selected in the squad, joining the likes of Gloucester's Sione Kalamafoni and Tukulua Lokotui and Wasps duo William Helu and Taione Vea.