Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Ian McKinley said he retires on his own terms

McKinley confirms rugby retirement

Former Italy and Ireland Under-20 player Ian McKinley has announced his retirement from rugby.

Monty Ioane of Italy is congratulated by Luca Bigi after his try at Twickenham

Italy showing green shoots as Ireland prepare for Rome

Former Ireland Under-20 and Italy out-half Ian McKinley is confident the Azzurri will soon see the fruits of recent work as Andy Farrell's side prepare to take them on in the Guinness Six Nations this Saturday.

Rugby • 24 Feb 21

Ian McKinley sees no major public reaction

'There doesn't seem to be a mad panic' - McKinley

Treviso's Irish-born player Ian McKinley discusses what he sees as the relative calm in one of the regions in Northern Italy that has been affected by the coronavirus.

Six Nations • 26 Feb 20

Ian McKinley made a spectacular return to rugby

McKinley welcomes end of goggles trial

Ian McKinley has welcomed World Rugby's approval of goggles at all levels as the long trial run came to an end.

Rugby • 28 May 19

Ian McKinley: "In this five-year rollercoaster, Italy have been there when I needed them the most and shown a huge amount of faith in me."

'Playing against your mates, it's always special'

Ian McKinley faces his native Ireland for the first time in a Six Nations game this weekend. It will be another special reunion.

Rugby • 21 Feb 19

Conor O'Shea will be hoping for a first win over Ireland

'Father figure' O'Shea can deliver for Italy

Conor O'Shea is the father figure coach who can coax the best out Italy's next generation, according to Jake Polledri.

Rugby • 03 Nov 18

'For a guy like McKinley to dust himself off and pursue a career in Italy is a massive credit to him and his mentality and it's great to see him getting an opportunity at such a high level'

New combinations, not Italy will be the real Test

Joe Schmidt has laced his team with experience in key positions but the new combinations on show will test his coaching abilities a year out from the World Cup

Rugby • 02 Nov 18

Italy will be looking for only their second win against Ireland in the Six Nations

O'Shea resists urge to play McKinley against Ireland

The Italy team shows three changes for Saturday's Natwest Six Nations clash against Ireland, but there is no place in the matchday 23 for Irish-born Ian McKinley.

Rugby • 09 Feb 18

McKinley has won three caps for Italy since making his Test debut last November

Miracle man McKinley seeking Six Nations bow in Dublin

As he edges towards a first Six Nations appearance, former Leinster player Ian McKinley is poised to add another incredible chapter to a rollercoaster rugby career.

Rugby • 08 Feb 18

Inspirational McKinley kicks penalty in Italy debut

Ian McKinley completed a remarkable journey to Test rugby with a substitute appearance - and crucial penalty - in Italy's 19-10 defeat of Fiji on Saturday.

Rugby • 11 Nov 17

Ian McKinley lost his sight in one eye after a freak on-field incident.

Ireland born out-half set to make debut for Italy

Ireland born out-half Ian McKinley is set to make his debut for Italy, after being named among the replacements for the side's opening November International against Fiji this weekend.

Rugby • 09 Nov 17

McKinley: It would mean everything to play for Italy

Ian McKinley could make his Italy debut in the November internationals after being named in a 31-man provisional squad.

Rugby • 01 Nov 17

O'Shea: McKinley's inspirational story is like a movie

Conor O'Shea has described Dubliner Ian McKinley's astonishing road to an Italy call-up as being like something from a movie, and said the former Leinster man's dreadful eye injury robbed him of a long and successful Ireland career.

Rugby • 12 Oct 17

Italy call-up 'career highlight' for McKinley

Former Leinster player Ian McKinley could be in line for his first international cap after being included in Italy's squad for the November internationals.

Rugby • 11 Oct 17

McKinley in action wearing the goggles that have allowed him to play again

McKinley hopes to grab Italy call-up with both hands

Former Leinster out-half Ian McKinley admits he may not have grown up dreaming of playing rugby for Italy, but now that he has a chance he aims to grab it with both hands.

Rugby • 03 May 17

Ian McKinley has been called into the Italy squad

Recap: Your Morning Sports Updates

Ian McKinley called into the Italian squad, Donegal's Paddy McBrearty looking forward to the Ulster Championship, Conlan's eye Belfast blockbuster and Philip Jordan on the state of Gaelic football.

Other sport • 03 May 17

Ian McKinley lost the sight in his left eye after a freak accident

Ian McKinley gets Italy call-up

Ian McKinley's remarkable return to competitive rugby has been rewarded with a call-up to the Italy training squad for their June Test series - six years after losing the sight in his left eye.