Daily Archives: 4 May 2017
Ian McKinley
Irish-born Ian McKinley has been called into Italy’s squad for their summer Tests six years after losing his sight in his left eye.
McKinley, now 27, was on Leinster’s books when he suffered the serious injury after sustaining an accidental boot to his eye.
The Dubliner was forced to retire but made a playing return in Italy thanks to special protective goggles.
McKinley has played 21 Treviso games in this season’s Pro12 and Challenge Cup.
His form has led Italy coach, former Ireland international Conor O’Shea, to name the fly-half in a 44-man squad for the Tests against Scotland, Fiji and Australia.
Ireland Under-20 international McKinley now qualifies for the Azzurri under the residency rule.