Advertisement
Francesca Soli/INPHO
rugby for all

IRFU signed up to goggles trial

Former Leinster out-half Ian McKinley had petitioned for Ireland’s inclusion in the trial after coming out of retirement thanks to the eyewear.

FORMER LEINSTER OUT-half Ian McKinley could finally make a return to rugby fields in his native country after the IRFU were added to World Rugby’s goggles trial.

The trial, World Rugby and the IRFU stress, is limited to goggles made by Italian manufacturer Raleri and only pre-approved eyewear will be permitted to be worn by players.

McKinley, who lost the use of his left eye in 2011 after a team-mate’s stud was misplaced, has been plying his trade for Pro12 side Zebre and Viadana in recent years as the Italian federation adopted the Raleri trial early.

The trial has now been extended well beyond the original May 2015 completion date to ‘late 2016.’

A statement from the IRFU this morning urges players who require the use of goggles to apply to World Rugby to participate in the trial (via the passport system) and then, if accepted, to purchase the approved brand.

“It should be noted that only those Rugby Goggles carrying the official World Rugby Trial Approved logo will be permitted to be used in the trial,” World Rugby adds.

“All participants must demonstrate their need for the Rugby Goggles through a letter from their ophthalmologist (or similar expert) stating that there is an ophthalmic or medical need for their use. Inspections and checks may be performed by match referees to ensure that all participants have complied with these conditions.”

The IRFU has listed a number of FAQs to accompany their acceptance on to the World Rugby trial, which you can read here.

Archive>> ‘I can’t fulfil my livelihood’ – Ian McKinley is petitioning the IRFU to allow protective goggles

Your Voice
Readers Comments
10
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.