Saving my eye was a MIRACLE! | The Open Side with Ian McKinley

On this week's The Open Side, we talk to Ian McKinley and dive into his inspirational and game changing international career. He tells us all about his horrific accident and how saving his eye was a miracle, and how his motivation to play the game led him to Italy to try and later use the first set of protection goggles in rugby.
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[@WorldRugby]

Who inspired you to start playing, watching or following rugby? Let us know in the comments.

[@defaultyorker6096]

Lockdown, really.

[@harryclarke3428]

When I was 5 watching my dad in some of his last games and knowing that he scored a try against England in a 7’s game and that made me want to start playing and as I am Irish I want to run out in a green jersey.

[@w1llsnd706]

My dad and Courtney lawes

[@richardtowers7139]

Julian Savea and Manu Tuilagi

[@johnstone5158]

The captain of the 1987 All Blacks at the world cup. David Kirk. Smallest dude on the field with the biggest heart.

[@braddaynes6885]

Ian has inspired players around the world, including here in South Africa. He is a true hero. Thank you for your courage Ian!

[@WorldRugby]

A game with no boundaries! Inspirational!

[@martinfox5930]

What an absolute legend that man is. Perseverance, self-belief, and push the boundaries of what is accepted. That's why I love this game. Thank you to World Rugby for showcasing Ian's story.

[@WorldRugby]

A true pioneer of the game!

[@harryclarke3428]

So good to see a fellow Irish man still happy after a tough career.

[@ConorNeill]

Inspiring story of comeback from a really tough injury

[@hoggiegaming1749]

A hero here in Ireland has given hope to many people with disabilities that you can achieve your dreams

[@eme1468]

Great interview and great interviewer didn't talk over McKinley allowed him to say what he wanted

[@troberts3891]

Fantastic comeback. An inspiration.
Whoever gouged his good eye on the pitch needs to have a long look at themselves. Disgraceful.

[@WorldRugby]

refused to give up, even when it looked like the only option! So awesome!

[@billymeeks845]

Hey I’m right here with you Ian. We got this.

[@TooTurboTom]

What an absolute hero 💪

[@lrh5206]

I'm not crying, you're crying

[@WorldRugby]

It's just my 'allergies' 😪

[@angelnoflag]

Spanish subtitles please, I would really appreciate it

[@SupremeBros2012]

Top man, great profile in courage :)

[@WorldRugby]

His inner strength is off the charts!!!

[@w1llsnd706]

Inspirational

[@annefilippobertozzi7601]

Great story.

[@jmcn34]

💙

[@soddof7972]

I reckon a couple of my fly halves had one eye

[@Sulu-sw3zo]

Yip same, and it was as if they'd also lost the use of their ears...

[@thabangnkopane4626]

No cheating

[@kevinwalsh4633]

First to comment!

[@fdsfds4620]

Hope he got paid out