Former Italy and Ireland Under-20 player Ian McKinley has announced his retirement from rugby.
McKinley left Benetton last year and has not secured a new club.
He won nine caps at U-20 level for Ireland and went on to play eight times for Italy despite an eye injury which ended his career until a remarkable comeback.
McKinley said: "My professional career has been unconventional.
"10 years ago, I was forced aged 21 to announce my retirement from Leinster and Ireland U20s, when my left eyeball was perforated and my retina detached, following a rugby injury.
"It was very hard to accept this decision.
"I moved to Udine in Italy to coach rugby. After three years an opportunity arose to become the first player in the world to use Rugby Goggles and play with protection for my good eye.
"This return led to a global campaign seeking access to play at the highest levels of rugby, albeit as a visually impaired, professional out-half.
"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. This will always give me an enormous sense of achievement and pride.
"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."
