The former St. Columba's College student debuted for Leinster's first team in the 2008-09 season and represented Ireland at the U 20 World Championships in Japan.
McKinley was forced into early retirement in 2011 after he lost the sight in his left eye as a result of an accident during an All-Ireland League game for UCD against Lansdowne in 2010.
He made his way back into international contention by working his way up through the lower leagues with Leonorso Rugby in Italy.
In the 2014-15 season, he returned to professional rugby playing for Viadana. At the time, the protective goggles he wore were prohibited in Ireland, England and France, preventing him from making his way back to the very top level. He was signed as injury cover for Zebre during the 2015 RWC & Six Nations.
McKinley signed for Benetton Rugby in 2015 and after the IRFU joined a trial scheme to approve the eyewear, continued his journey with a fairytale return to the RDS to play a Pro12 match against Leinster in September 2016.
In 2016, McKinley extended his deal with the club for the 2017/2018 Pro 14 season.
In November 2017, he made his Test debut off the bench for Italy against Fiji becoming the first player to line out in an international Test match wearing special protective goggles.
He made two other appearances for the Azzurri in 2017 and was included in the Italy squad for the 2018 6 Nations.
Mckinley was been named in the 2019 Six Nations squad.
As of December 2019, he has made 49 appearances for Benetton and has scored 163 points.
Career
 |
Leinster Rugby Fly Half |
2009 - 2012 |
 |
Zebre Parma Fullback |
2015 - 2016 |
 |
Viadana Fly Half |
2014 - 2016 |
 |
Italy Fly Half |
2017 - 2019 |
 |
Benetton Rugby Fullback |
2016 - 2019 |
