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The former Leinster player, in some circles touted as the successor to Johnny Sexton, suffered the cruellest of rugby curses when he was told that his professional career was over after he was declared blind in one eye back in 2010.
His initial problems began early in 2010 when a teammate accidentally stood on his eye, causing it to burst. He recovered well enough to earn himself a professional contract with Leinster, however after suffering from blurred vision at the end of the season it indicated that a cataract had formed. Two operations to remove it failed to improve McKinley’s eyesight and then the worst happened – his retina detached – and that was that, he was declared officially blind in one eye, his professional career…over.
However all was not lost for the young fly-half, his brother got in touch with the IRB after hearing that they were investing in the development of goggles. The goggles, designed by Raleri, lead to Mckinley running out for Italian Serie C side Leonorso, having moved to Italy to take up a coaching role in Udine. His return to rugby and performances caught the eyes of the club Viadana in Italian rugby’s top flight, and McKinley signed a contract with the club last summer.
@ralerisrl first game with my new club viadana#rugbygoggles#sonocontento pic.twitter.com/9QrwVyrlsh
— Ian McKinley (@ianmck7) September 7, 2014
His return to the top flight has seen him make 16 starts for the Italian side, scoring four tries, and tomorrow will take to the pitch with the the Barbarians in their clash with Heriot’s at Goldenacre in Edinburgh, Scotland.
McKinley has said that he is keen to catch up on lost time with his career now and has recently stated that he wants ‘to focus on what I can become now, not what I was. If I’m good enough, I’d like to see what the next level might hold’.
We are RBP salute you Ian Mckinley, its great to see you back playing!