Vainikolo to leave Chiefs

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs can confirm that Tongan international Fetu'u Vainikolo is to leave the club at the end of the season to join French Top 14 side Oyonnax.

The 30-year-old winger, who joined the Chiefs during the summer of 2013 from Connacht, has agreed terms on a two-year deal and will link up with fellow newcomers Piri Weepu and George Robson at the Stade Charles-Mathon.

On course for the play-offs for the first time in their history this season, sixth-placed Oyonnax have previously brought in two former Chiefs to their squad with hooker Neil Clark and back-row forward Chad Slade both moving across the Channel.

In his two seasons with the Chiefs, Vainikolo has currently made 28 appearances, scoring ten tries in the process.

He said: "I would like to thank the Chiefs for the opportunity they have given me to play in the Aviva Premiership. I have enjoyed my time here in Devon and made lots of friends along the way.

"Moving to France offers a new opening for me in my career - and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead. However, I still have a role to play here at Exeter and that will be my focus between now and the end of the season."

Vainikolo need not have to wait long to return to Sandy Park once he has moved to Oyonnax as the powerful wide man is widely expected to be part of Tonga's Rugby World Cup squad.

One of Tonga's Pool stage fixtures will be here in Devon when they tackle Namibia on September 29 (4:45pm).