The IRFU have finally seen sense amid increasing pressure and have applied to participate in the World Rugby goggle trial. After former Leinster player Ian McKinley was forced to sit out for his team when they played in Galway in the Pro 12, and several kids were forced to give up the game after the world cup - the IRFU have now moved to join the controversial trial.
Previously, any rugby player over the age of eight years old was forced to leave the pitch if they wore protective goggles. The most high profile case of a player using the goggles was former Leinster star Ian McKinley - who was forced to retire after a freak incident cost him his sight in one eye - before making a remarkable comeback in Italian rugby.
After being previous undeterred in their stance, The IRFU now say that updated design changes in the goggles, and some independent reviews of the current World Rugby trial mean that they are satisfied and are willing to participate in the trial. Only goggles from Italian manufacturer Raleri will be allowed to be worn on a rugby pitch in Ireland, as in accordance with the global trial.
All the hard work has paid off! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the campaign. https://t.co/4ywi8neXVR
— Ian McKinley (@ianmck7) December 18, 2015
The move from the IRFU means that England and France are the only two nations in the top 10 of World Rugby that are not permitting players to wear protective eye wear.
For further information, please consult the Irish Rugby website.
See Also: The IRFU Are Coming Under Even More Pressure After More Kids Prevented From Playing Rugby
See Also: Former Leinster Starlet Launches Campaign To Allow Him To Play In Ireland Again
See Also: IRFU Criticised After Seven-Year-Old "Kicked Out Of Rugby Because Of How He Was Made"
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
