Gloucester winger Lesley Vainikolo has been ruled out for the season after having surgery to repair his ruptured right Achilles tendon.
Gloucester wing facing seven months on the sidelines
Gloucester winger Lesley Vainikolo has been ruled out for the season after having surgery to repair his ruptured right Achilles tendon.
The 29-year-old suffered the injury during Saturday's 22-16 victory over Saracens in the Guinness Premiership.
Vainikolo underwent surgery at Cromwell Hospital in London on Monday and now faces around seven months on the sidelines.
That means the Volcano will also miss England's RBS Six Nations campaign as well as the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.
"Les is a massive part of our squad, not just for his on-field contributions but because his personality is such an integral and vital part of the group," said Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan.
"It will naturally leave a very significant gap and with the current injuries we have in the squad at the moment this could not have come at a worse time.
"Les has undergone surgery and when it is appropriate he will begin his rehabilitation process but we appreciate it will be a long road and he will have all the support he needs from everyone associated with the club."
