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The Utah Warriors have announced the signing of Tongan World Cup winger Fetu’u Vainikolo for the 2018 Major League Rugby season. At 32 years of age Vainikolo arrives with an extensive resume at both club and international level with more than a decade of professional rugby under his belt.
Vainikolo debuted for the Ikale Tahi in the 2011 Pacific Nations Cup and played in both the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. A prolific try scorer, he is Tonga’s all-time leader with 17 tries in 28 tests to date. He also holds the unique distinction of having played in each of the four ‘Tier 1’ domestic professional competitions – Super Rugby, the Premiership, the Guinness Pro Championship, and the Top 14.
After successful spells with the Highlanders, Connacht, and Exeter, Vainikolo signed for Oyonnax ahead of the 2015-16 season but saw his game time severely limited due to injury. He joined Fédérale 1 side RoVal Drôme in September and will now join the Warriors ranks for the inaugural MLR campaign.
