Vainikolo played in England's recent 24-13 victory over France (Getty)

The Tongan-born star has impressed since his switch from rugby league's Bradford Bulls last summer.

Ryan told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "Lesley is a unique player which we don't have in this country.

"We've got to spend some time, I'm sure the national guys are the same, to understand how the relationship works."

The former New Zealand rugby league international has played three times for England so far in the Six Nations and Ryan hopes the experience will improve his understanding of the 15-man code.

When he comes in the squad, the dynamics of the squad change Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan

"Go back to day one and we gave him every ball we had, if you get any ball to him then that will arrive with lots of defenders as well," said Ryan.

"But I think the last couple of weeks he'll have grown a little bit as a rugby player and hopefully we'll see that as he comes back."

And Ryan has praised the impact Vainikolo, who has scored nine tries in 10 starts for Gloucester, has had on the squad.

"Internally you'd say his personality's everything - he's a fantastic bloke, high energy, big man and when that comes in the squad, the dynamics of the squad change," he added.

"The obvious thing to everyone else is his physicality when he goes on to the pitch, which is a welcome addition to a group that we're already developing."