A lovely gesture by the invitational showmen.
Ian McKinkley was 21-years-old, and six matches into his Leinster Rugby career, when an unfortunate training ground accident cost him sight in his left eye.
McKinley caught the stud of a stray team-mate's boot in the eye and the damage done eventually caused him to lose his vision. He was forced to retire from the game at a time when he was tipped to be a long-term rival for Johnny Sexton's No.10 jersey.
The 25-year-old is now playing club rugby with Viadana, in Italy, and wears protective goggles to allow him to do so. He has now been bestowed with a huge honour.
McKinley is part of a BaaBaa's squad that will mark the 125th anniversary of Heriots rugby club by taking on the Scottish side, in Edinburgh, on Tuesday.
A statement by the Barbarians reads: 'McKinley makes his first appearance in the British Isles since losing the sight in his left eye as a result of a training ground accident.
'The former Leinster and Ireland Under-20 out-half was forced to retire, in 2011, but restarted his career successfully last year in Italy wearing goggles as part of a trial approved by World Rugby.'
McKinley played his first game for Viadana, last September, wearing the new goggles.
He has since made regular appearances for the Italian club side.
His actual comeback game was with Italian division three side, Leonorso, in March 2014 - a first outing on a rugby pitch, in a playing capacity, for over 33 months.
