Standing at 6ft 1in, Vailanu initially turned heads during a four-year stint at Asahi University in Japan, proving a standout 7s player and representing Samurai RFC at the 2017 Hong Kong 10s.
His performances at that tournament earned him a short-term contract with Saracens, with the Tongan going on to make 10 appearances for the European heavyweights before joining Wasps on a two-year deal in 2019.
A powerful presence at the base of the scrum, Vailanu immediately proved a hit with the Wasps faithful, making 31 appearances in all competitions - including turning out against Edinburgh in the European Challenge Cup - and helping his side reach the Premiership final in 2020.
After making the switch to Sixways in the summer of 2021, the Tongan has once again proven himself to be an explosive figure with ball in hand.
First capped for Tonga against Japan in 2017, Vailanu made a memorable impression on his first start for the Ikale Tahi, picking off an interception and running in a try from 65 metres against Wales at the Principality Stadium in November 2018.