Ian McKinley has been called into Conor O’Shea’s Italy squad ahead of the June Test series.
The former Leinster and Ireland U20 player was forced to retire from rugby in 2011. A stud of a team-mate’s boot in a training ground accident caused him to lose vision in his left eye, forcing him to call time on his career.
He returned to the sport in 2013, moving to Italy wearing specially-designed goggles to protect the working eye. Italy was one of the first countries to sanction use of protective goggles to play the sport.
His time at Italy began with Serie C outfit Leonorso Udine. After impressing there, he earned a move to Viadana and now he togs out for Benelton Treviso. He also made an appearance for the Barbarians in 2015.
After becoming a regular starter for Treviso, he’s secured a call-up to the latest Italy squad, having qualified on residency grounds..
#Italrugby, 44 Azzurri per 31 posti al tour estivo
Il 9 maggio la lista dei convocati per i test-match di giugno#ITAvSCO#FIJvITA#AUSvITA pic.twitter.com/VVBRMMmZIr— Italrugby (@Federugby) May 2, 2017
Unsurprisingly, the reaction to the call-up has been overwhelmingly positive.
Delighted for Ian McKinley, on his call up. Great talent, and hopefully he can convert it to international form now #PRO12
— Daragh Small (@daraghs0) May 2, 2017
Congrats Ian McKinley, named in @Federugby squad https://t.co/iM0DuyBsXS
— Michael Corcoran (@MichaelC_RTE) May 2, 2017
Wow, well done Ian McKinley #ForzaItalia https://t.co/hjINT1CVbb
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) May 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/sobsy1/status/859472341985886209
As much as I dislike the 3 year rule, delighted for Ian McKinley being selected for @RugbyIta Great come back to rugby @RugbyLeinster_
— Matt Cassidy (@Cass_maitias) May 2, 2017
