Rugby's 'Volcano' looks to erupt again

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The forgotten man of English rugby Lesley Vainikolo says he was rushed too soon into the test arena, and has backed himself to again taste international action.

The former Kiwis league star, who is dubbed the 'Volcano', was promoted into the England squad for this year's Six Nations after just a handful of matches after switching codes.

But he failed to fire for England.

His descent from the side proved just as dramatic as his rise, first being overlooked for the weakened team England sent on a two-test tour of New Zealand, then also being unwanted for England B's subsequent Churchill Cup campaign.

However, Vainikolo, 29, says he still had a lot to offer.

"It was a bit too fast, with everything happening quickly in the first year," he told the BBC.

"I just needed to calm down a bit and concentrate on what I do. I still need to learn a bit more.

"You only learn from your team mates and your coaching staff.

"You need to play with good players and you learn from them as well.

"You want to build your confidence in winning games and you want to get in a good form, which we are aiming for."

While Vainikolo proved to be a regular star turn for his club side Gloucester last season, this year it has been a case of slim pickings.

Often he has found himself relegated to the reserves bench.

Meanwhile, former All Black wing Scott Hamilton is set to make his long-awaited debut for English club Leicester this weekend.

Hamilton's announced his defection from New Zealand rugby in the latter stages of the Air New Zealand Cup.

His debut in the Guinness Premiership has been delayed by illness.

Leicester coach Heyneke Meyer said he had high hopes in terms of Hamilton's potential impact in the UK.

"You always say good things about new signings but I have always rated Scott very highly," Meyer said.

"I have played against him a lot with the Bulls (in the Super 14) and he was always superb for the Crusaders. He's an integral part of the way that I want to play the game and take things forward.

"He's good from broken field and he's probably the most under-rated winger in New Zealand. I want to get him in the mix as soon as possible.

"He was the first guy I signed here.

“It wasn't a case of his agent coming to us. I said let's see if Scott Hamilton is available and I specifically went for him. He is reliable and is always doing special things from the back."

Hamilton played two tests for the All Blacks.

He was a mainstay of both the Crusaders and Canterbury side's during his time in New Zealand.

He played 58 times for the Crusaders, tasting Super Rugby triumph in 2005, 2006 and 2008. He also played 61 matches for Canterbury.

"Playing with the Crusaders and the success that we have had, I wanted to come to a club with some success behind it," Hamilton said.

"Like a lot of Kiwis, I was looking to come overseas. Leicester is a great name and having Heyneke as a coach was important.

"Also having Aaron Mauger here played a part. I have played a fair bit of rugby with him and have been in touch with him before I came.

"There were plenty of places to potentially go and play, but I am very happy to have come here.

"I have not been here long but all of the boys have been good and the trainers have been awesome."

He said of the perceived change in playing style: "It's a lot more physical and the laws are different to what I have been used to.

"The forwards dominance is a big thing and the weather plays a big part too.

"There are a few little things which I will need to get used to, but rugby is the same everywhere, you have to put the ball over the line."