The IRFU have finally cleared this up.
There is a current ban on players wearing specially adapted eye-wear in games on this island, which has been a major issue for partially sighted sportsmen looking to play the game.
However this afternoon it was confirmed that players who wish to wear goggles will be allowed do so as part of World Rugby Raleri goggles trial.
Ireland, England and France had rejected the chance earlier this year to be part of the initiative, but today permission has been granted by the IRFU to allow players specially adapted eye-wear.
Currently you are not allowed wear any eye protection of any description if you are playing rugby in this country.
But the news that the IRFU are allowing the trial take place here means Ian McKinley will be allowed play rugby in Ireland next year.
The former Leinster man lost the sight in his left eye after an accident on the pitch, but made a return to rugby with Viadana last year and was called up by Zebre this season.
However he wasn’t allowed play for his side against Connacht in October in the PRO 12 due to the ban on the use of goggles, but the former Ireland U20,who has helped in the design of the goggles, can feature in his native country.
All the hard work has paid off! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the campaign. https://t.co/4ywi8neXVR
— Ian McKinley (@ianmck7) December 18, 2015
Players will need a special letter from World Rugby to say they are allowed use the goggle,s while they will need to buy the equipment from the manufacturer.
Good news as IRFU announce they are going to participate in the @WorldRugby trial for rugby goggles. Hoping to get sorted by early New Year
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) December 18, 2015
