Four years ago, former Leinster player Ian McKinley lost the sight in one eye during a training ground accident.
But last night, the Italy-based out-half was back in action in this part of the world for the Barbarians wearing a pair of goggles.
Tonight, the 25-year-old spoke to Off The Ball about the experience of playing again.
"I was out of the game for 33 months, moved over to Italy as a coach and then thanks to the world rugby board, it was my brother in particular who found these rugby goggles to protect players with the same sort of problem that I have," said McKinley, who has been back playing for a year in Italy with his club Viadana.
"I've gone on a new road and I'm just trying to use all the best tools I have at my disposal to make a good crack at it because I'm trying to make up for the 33 months I didn't play. Certainly, when you go on the field, you appreciate it a little bit more because you have that sensation of knowing what it is to have it taken away. But that's over-ridden with my competitive streak."
McKinley also explained that he can only play in Italy and Scotland as other countries, including Ireland, are not part of the nations trialing goggles in the sport.
The IRFU sent in a statement to Off The Ball to explain why this country are not part of the trial:
"From the IRFU / ireland are not part of this World Rugby trial - all countries have the option to opt in or out of any World Rugby trials in relation to either experimental rule changes or equipment trials. The decision was made on both medical and practical grounds and as with all World Rugby trials the IRFU will examine the findings once the trial has been completed."
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