Rugby: Biggles meets rugby in new eye-flying goggles

One-eyed player Ian McKinley made his comeback wearing goggles. Photo / Raleri

Cricketer Daniel Vettori, basketballer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and footballer Edgar Davids enjoyed lengthy sporting careers using protective or prescriptive eyewear. Rugby players are now being afforded the same opportunity through a global trial backed by the International Rugby Board.

In January, the IRB endorsed goggles made by Italian manufacturer Raleri — who spent two years developing a prototype robust enough to withstand the rigours of contact without fogging during exertion.

The approved model resembles ski goggles. They are capable of dealing with the heavy impacts of tackles, have smooth surfaces to prevent cuts, use anti-fogging technology and include a strap with no clips, buckles or sharp edges. Corrective lenses can be clipped on to the inside of the frame.

Under the terms of the trial, anyone can wear the goggles on the recommendation of an optician or doctor. Players register with the IRB to get a purchase code. Only the approved Raleri goggles are allowed, with referees permitted to conduct checks. Feedback from triallists will decide if adjustments are required. Special efforts have been made to produce the goggles for younger players who are not ready to wear contact lenses.

Steve Griffiths, IRB's head of technical services, said 19 international unions including Italy, the United States and Japan — but not New Zealand — have signed up to the trial. An initial assessment is due early next year.

"This is historically important because we've had past situations where people attempted to wear goggles which were not suitable. We contacted manufacturers and most felt there was no market in it so they were unwilling to invest — but Raleri collaborated. Our philosophy is simple. Anything worn must not damage the wearer or anyone who comes into contact."

Raleri boss Francesco Rambaldi said: "It's about providing something new in rugby's conservative environment. The hardest thing to develop was anti-fog technology; rugby is not as high speed as alpine sports so the goggles need to remain clear during high exertion, often for several minutes at a time."

Ian McKinley is a notable case study. The former Leinster first five-eighths retired aged 21 after going blind in one eye. His left eyesight was initially damaged in January 2010, when a team-mate accidently stood on his face. He recovered well enough to be offered a contract but blurred vision and further operations resulted in a detached retina.

McKinley played his first games using the goggles this month for Italian club Leonorso Rugby Udine.

He told the Daily Mail: "The goggles might cause a bit of debate and I'll also be wearing a scrum cap, so I'll sort of look like Batman, or maybe a pilot from the 1940s, but I don't care because I'll be playing. I'm treating it as a trial but it could be a good story for others with eye problems."

The cost of the goggles is €74 ($117). They will be available in retail outlets once the trial period is over and the IRB issue their full approval.