Treviso fly-half Ian McKinley has missed out on a place in the Italy squad for the Summer tour.
The Dublin-born player was named in Conor O'Shea's 44-man squad for games against Scotland, Fiji and Australia next month. The squad was cut to 31 players on Tuesday afternoon, but there was no place for the former Leinster player on the list.
#Italrugby, 31 Azzurri per il #tour2017
Torna dopo tre anni @tebius_09, quattro gli esordienti per #ITAvSCO #FJIvITA e #AUSvITA di giugno pic.twitter.com/KLaeoY7iFu
— Italrugby (@Federugby) May 9, 2017
McKinley, who made six appearances for Leinster and was forced to retire in 2011. He retired after suffering an accidental eye injury the previous year while training. 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, due to the goggles not having permission to be used in Ireland. He began his comeback with Leonorso in Serie C before moving to Viadana.
He also enjoyed a stint with 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.
McKinley qualifies to play with Italy through residency.
Additional reporting from Sinead Farrell
