[3] Vainkolo attended De La Salle College, Mangere East and holds the school's 100m record of 10.90s.

While playing for the Raiders, Vainikolo was dubbed by Australian rugby league commentator Peter Sterling as 'The Volcano'.

The reason for this is because Sterling found the player's surname difficult to pronounce and shortened it to "Volcano" and he has been called this nickname ever since.

Vainikolo was selected for the New Zealand team to compete in the end of season 1999 Rugby League Tri-Nations tournament.

As Super League VI champions, the Bulls played against 2001 NRL Premiers, the Newcastle Knights in January 2002.

Vainikolo played for Bradford Bulls on the wing in their 2002 Super League Grand Final loss against St. Helens.

Vainikolo played for Bradford on the wing in their 2003 Super League Grand Final victory against the Wigan Warriors.

Having won Super League VIII, Bradford played against 2003 NRL Premiers, the Penrith Panthers in the 2004 World Club Challenge.

Vainikolo played for the Bradford Bulls on the wing and scored a try in their 2004 Super League Grand Final loss against the Leeds Rhinos.

However, Vainikolo declined the offer and decided to remain with the Bradford Bulls until the end of the 2009 Super League season.

After signing the contract, Vainikolo's coach at the time, Brian Noble stated "Lesley is a world-class player and was in big demand from both union and league clubs.

He played for the Bradford Bulls on the wing, scoring aa try in their 2005 Super League Grand Final victory against the Leeds Rhinos.

As Super League champions Bradford faced NRL premiers Wests Tigers in the 2006 World Club Challenge.

[7] Vainikolo spoke about his move saying: "First and foremost I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone connected with Bradford Bulls – including my team-mates, the staff and all the supporters – for making the last five years so memorable.

Vainikolo joined the French side La Rochelle on a two-and-a-half-year deal after leaving Gloucester Rugby at the end of the 2011/2012 season.

[13][14] Vainikolo was selected for the Barbarians squad and played 2 matches, against a Belgium XV in Brussels, when he scored a try, and against Ireland at Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester.

The statement also said "Lesley vigorously contests this allegation and, as demonstrated this season, remains completely focused on his rugby and will not allow this matter to distract him".

[21] In 2023, Vanikolo participated in season 3 of Match Fit, where former rugby players return to play against the Australian counterparts.

[25] Despite this: He has great aerobic fitness and was able to control the pace on the vertical ski-erg machine, but ended up destroying them due to his strength.