Ian Madigan's spell in France looks to be as brief as it has been unhappy: reports in France today claim that Madigan has requested to leave Bordeaux, citing his lack of playing time - he hasn't started a Top 14 game since the end of October - and the interest from other clubs as the primary reasons behind this desire.
Despite the fact that Madigan signed a two-year contract last summer, the club are receptive to offers, providing they can sign a replacement. Toby Flood is touted as the prime candidate to replace the Irish out-half.
Exactly where Madigan is going next is unclear, although Irish manager Paul Dean did say today that Madigan was better off coming home:
Madigan 'better off coming home' says @IrishRugby manager Paul Dean #rterugby pic.twitter.com/q63AQXCMVR
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 20, 2017
In spite of that, Madigan has noot been contacted by the IRFU with a view to coming back home, per Gavin Cummiskey of the Irish Times.
A move to the AVIVA Premiership looks most likely, with Neil Fissler of the Rugby Paper and the Express, reporting that Northampton Saints are interested in Madigan:
Ian Madigan wants to be released from the last year of his Bordeaux contract and I hear he is heading to Northampton Saints @TheRugbyPaper
— Neil Fissler (@neilfissler) February 20, 2017
So while Madigan doesn't look like heading back to Ireland anytime soon, this is a move that has a bit of Irish negotiation at its heart: Madigan, should he move to Northampton, will be viewed as a replacement for JJ Hanrahan, who is heading back to Munster next season.
