Following the dramatic revelations that Ian Madigan has settled on a transfer to Bordeaux-Beagles at the end of this season, the 26 year-old is not ruling out a return to Leinster at some point in the future.
The Irish Independent writes today that Madigan is nonplussed by the lucrative element of his next venture and that the door will remain open on a move back to his native province.
Sexton's understudy will treble his income after signing the €1.2m deal for a side who have earmarked their intentions of pursuing the Champions Cup following the recruitment of Australian player Adam Ashley-Cooper. In addition, Madigan is hopeful that he will inherit more pitch time in Bordeaux, a luxury he found difficult to come by in Leinster with Sexton and Jimmy Gopperth both competing for the number 10 jersey with Madigan.
https://t.co/pWo4TazdCW @CABBG1998 @RugbyScapulaire Quand Madigan a appris qu'il allait rejoindre @UBBrugby
— CABBG Crabos 2015/16 (@CABBG1998) December 28, 2015
The price however, of nailing a first 15 position at club level, could implicate Madigan's international ambitions. David Nucifora of the IRFU, recently stated that playing club rugby abroad could leave a player disadvantaged when it comes to playing for Ireland. And while Madigan is aware of this danger, he intends to remain focused when he leaves for France.
In his statement yesterday, Madigan said:
'While this was a very difficult decision for me to make, leaving the club that I have represented my whole professional life, I feel that the timing is right and it is a challenge that I'm looking forward to.'
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