Ian Madigan will leave Leinster at the end of his contract, that much seems increasingly certain. It's the best decision for the player, it's (potentially) the best decision for Ireland and considering his lack of playing time, it might even be best for Leinster. The only question left seems to be where he'll be playing his rugby next year.
Munster appear to be the favoured option for everyone who has their Ireland caps on and that is a distinct possibility judging by recent reports. However, the problem with that is that the IRFU simply don't have the financial muscle to compete with the other offers that are on the table from England and France.
Bristol and Harlequins made their interest known but it's looking increasingly likely that it will be the riches of the Top14 that will welcome Madigan with open arms in 2016. L'Equipe are today citing several that have confirmed that Madigan is now in 'advanced negotiations' with Bordeaux-Bègles.
Laurent Marti, the club's president has been quoted as saying that 'discussions are continuing' and it would seem that Madigan is edging ever closer to France despite the impending threat of vastly decreased international appearances.
With Johnny Sexton being the exception that proved the rule, the IRFU have let it be known that those playing away from the Irish provinces will not be given the same opportunities that their home based colleagues have. While it is not an impossibility that Madigan could still appear for Ireland while playing in France, it's not a trend that David Nucifora and the IRFU want to encourage.
Should he make the expected move to Bordeaux, Madigan's international prospects would be hit hard. Whether that's enough for him to opt for what the IRFU are offering is not yet known but judging by l'Equipe's report, it would seem that prospect is becoming less and less likely.
