A lovely gesture by the invitational showmen.
Ian McKinkley was 21-years-old, and six matches into his Leinster Rugby career, when an unfortunate training ground accident cost him sight in his left eye.
McKinley caught the stud of a stray team-mate’s boot in the eye and the damage done eventually caused him to lose his vision. He was forced to retire from the game at a time when he was tipped to be a long-term rival for Johnny Sexton’s No.10 jersey.
The 25-year-old is now playing club rugby with Viadana, in Italy, and wears protective goggles to allow him to do so. He has now been bestowed with a huge honour.
McKinley is part of a BaaBaa’s squad that will mark the 125th anniversary of Heriots rugby club by taking on the Scottish side, in Edinburgh, on Tuesday.
A statement by the Barbarians reads: ‘McKinley makes his first appearance in the British Isles since losing the sight in his left eye as a result of a training ground accident.
‘The former Leinster and Ireland Under-20 out-half was forced to retire, in 2011, but restarted his career successfully last year in Italy wearing goggles as part of a trial approved by World Rugby.’
McKinley played his first game for Viadana, last September, wearing the new goggles.
@ralerisrl first game with my new club viadana#rugbygoggles#sonocontento pic.twitter.com/9QrwVyrlsh
— Ian McKinley (@ianmck7) September 7, 2014
He has since made regular appearances for the Italian club side.
His actual comeback game was with Italian division three side, Leonorso, in March 2014 – a first outing on a rugby pitch, in a playing capacity, for over 33 months.
