The IRFU are intent on implementing a culture which prioritises the selection of Irish players for game time ahead of foreign imports.
Speaking to the Irish Times today, general manager of the IRFU’s High Performance Unit's David Nucifora identified that a lack of game time for Irish players in the four provincial teams, remains an ongoing problem in the sport.
Although not completely averse to the concept of teams including foreign players in their squad, Nucifora believes that 'some things need to change' if Ireland is to progress as a rugby nation.
#RWC2015Moments: La emoción de @Ian_madigan al final del encuentro #FRAvIRE 👠tras una gran actuación. #RWC2015 https://t.co/QDq8HlfUrU
— Rugby World Cup ES (@rugbyworldcupes) November 1, 2015
He went on to address the Ian Madigan dilemma as an example of this issue and revisited his performance in the RWC quarter-final defeat to Argentina. He said:
'Unless we address that sort of detail we won’t get on top of the situation. He (Ian) played only a handful of games for his province as a starting number ten. When starting at ten in a World Cup quarter-final, is that the perfect preparation?'
British media is reporting that Ian Madigan is close to confirming a two-year contract with Top 14 side Bordeaux. pic.twitter.com/1iU5U4hrei
— EatSleepRugby (@eatsleeprugby) December 18, 2015
'Ian was in that position with Jimmy Gopperth for two years when not ideal. We’ve got four teams and we have to keep remembering that when we’re building depth we’ve got to use those four teams really wisely.'
The next chapter in Madiagan's story could well be threaded together in France as speculation surrounding a transfer to Bordeaux-Beagles continues to mount.
And Nucifora is of the opinion, that emigrating to warmer climes for more game time, may end up hindering the player's overall performance.
'Straight away the players that go leave themselves at a disadvantage. If Ian decided to go and he played 10 every week. We wouldn’t ignore him, we don’t ignore any of the players that might be overseas. We watch them all very carefully. Does it mean that he is at disadvantage behind the boys playing in Ireland? Yes, it does.'
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