Former Leinster player and Ireland U20 international Ian McKinley has earned a call-up to the Italy training squad ahead of their summer tour.
McKinley has been included in Conor O'Shea's 44-man squad that will later be reduced to 31 ahead of the June Test series, where Italy face Scotland, Fiji and Australia.
McKinley, who made six appearances for Leinster, was forced to retire in 2011, after suffering an eye injury the previous year while playing. A stray boot landed in his eye, which ultimately led to McKinley losing his sight in one eye.
After discovering protective rugby goggles, McKinley later revived his career in Italy. He began his comeback with Leonorso before moving to Viadana.
He also enjoyed a stint with PRO12 side Zebre, before linking up with Treviso at the outset of this season. He has since signed a contract extension with the side for the 2017/2018 season.
#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
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