Ian Mckinley and four other stars who played through disabilities

He first hung up his boots following a horror eye injury he suffered at the age of 21 in 2011. He sustained a detached retina during an All-Ireland League game that caused him to lose sight in his left eye, forcing his first retirement. 

The Leinster Academy graduate moved to Italy to coach rugby before becoming the first player in the world to use specially-made rugby goggles, which protected his good eye and allowed him relaunch his career. 

Here are four other players who overcame disabilities to enjoy successful playing careers:

Slade signed his first professional contract with Exeter Chiefs at the age of 18, the same year in which he also developed type 1 diabetes. Under the 2010 Equality Act, type 1 diabetes is defined as a disability, in that it may have a 'substantial, long-term, negative impact on a person's ability to carry out normal, day-to-day activities'.

He was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disorder in 1995, and the disease had a significant impact on his playing career and wider life. By 2003 he was on dialysis and in 2004 underwent a kidney transplant. He then attempted a comeback but did not play international rugby again, and retired from professional rugby in 2007. He died unexpectedly on 18 November 2015 after suffering a heart attack associated with his kidney condition.

Former England captain Moody was diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis in 2005, but kept his condition secret while continuing to play top-level rugby. Now retired, he wants to raise awareness of the Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity which helps around 260,000 people in the UK with this type of disease.

The superstar Leicester and England prop is thriving. Dyspraxia affects the use of muscles. Different types of dyspraxia can affect writing, speech and other movements involved in learning. Forever inspiring us, Genge has gone onto help kids going through the same tough problems he did while also making the England Rugby World Cup Squad.