Vainikolo joins La Rochelle after leaving Gloucester

Vainikolo scored 36 tries in 87 games for the Cherry and Whites following his switch from rugby league side Bradford Bulls in 2007 and represented England five times.

La Rochelle coach Fabrice Ribeyrolles said: “Lesley is the profile we are looking for. We have been thinking about strengthening our three-quarter line with a ‘puncher’ but we did not want to rush.

“Lesley brings many features, he has an impressive ability both offensively and defensively, he is very physically fit and able to join us immediately. He showed a real desire to come and play at La Rochelle.”

Meanwhile, Paul O’Connell has signed a new contract that will see him remain in Ireland to play his rugby with Munster for a further two seasons until 2014.

O’Connell made a try scoring international debut against Wales in Dublin in 2002, having made his first senior appearance for Munster against Edinburgh in August of the previous year. Since then he has gone on to win 82 caps for his country and represent Munster on 127 occasions.

His Munster career has seen him win two Heineken Cups – one as captain – as well as two Magners league titles and a Celtic Cup. His senior international career has seen him selected for three Rugby World Cup squads – in 2003, 2007 and 2011 – and was part of the sides that won five triple crowns, one RBS Six Nations Championship and Ireland’s second ever Grand Slam in 2009. He has also represented the British and Irish Lions on two tours.

O’Connell said: “I am feeling really good both mentally and physically, which in part goes down to how well we are looked after here in Ireland, so I am looking forward to the remainder of this season and beyond and doing all I can to help make Munster and Ireland as successful as possible.”