After initially moving to Italy to work as a coach, McKinley relaunched his playing career and quickly moved his way up the ranks until he landed a deal with Benetton. Ian McKinley statement:“Today, aged 31, I officially announce my second retirement from playing rugby at all levels of the game. "I moved to Udine in Italy to coach rugby. "By helping to bring into law the worldwide use of Rugby Goggles, it has been an incredible joy to see thousands of other visually impaired players enabled to play rugby. "Following the Barbarians, Pro14, Champions Cup, Six Nations and International campaigns, today I get to finish my playing career again, but happily this time on my own terms.

Source: Irish Independent March 29, 2021 11:03 UTC