Ian McKinley is one of eight players who will be released by Benetton Rugby at the end of the current season.
The Dublin-born out-half who fought back from a potentially career-ending eye injury while at Leinster to go on to spend eight years in Italy and representing the Azzurri at Test level.
McKinley's contract was due to expire this summer but he could still play for Benetton when the season gets up and running again in just over two months time.
McKinley is joined by Dean Budd, Alessandro Zanni, Tito Tebaldi, Marco Fuser, Engiel Makelara, Nasi Manu and Antonio Rizzi on the list of departures.
“Sorry to have to say goodbye like this,” said club president Amerino Zatta.
“At the end of a season interrupted due to the difficult situation we are going through, but I wish everyone the best for a future full of satisfactions".
