On Monday afternoon, Leinster confirmed that Ian Madigan will be departing the province at the end of the season.
The outhalf is taking his talents to the Top 14 and Boradeaux.
It ends months of speculation about where Madigan's future lay. With Johnny Sexton ahead of him in the pecking order at Leinster, it seemed unlikely that he would get the quantity of games which he desires and deserves at 10.
Madigan was briefly linked with a move to Munster and also Aviva Premiership side Bristol, but what will undoubtedly be a lucrative move to France has lured the 26-year-old.
Here's how Twitter reacted to the news.
It was inevitable @Ian_madigan would leave. Deserves to start as a 10 somewhere so good luck to him. Really hope it works out.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) December 28, 2015
It must be for the cash & not the titles huh @AdamCoopy ?! #goodlucktohim https://t.co/vSOnACOp49
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) December 28, 2015
Tough to leave your home club but @Ian_madigan will be a better player and person because of this move #thanksmads https://t.co/uu9MKLc1b5
— Michael Corcoran (@MichaelC_RTE) December 28, 2015
Bordeaux is an excellent move for Ian Madigan. Well-run club on the rise, good coaching staff, dedicated to expansive rugby, salary boost.
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) December 28, 2015
Madigan moving to Bordeaux. A move accompanied by a sense of what might have been. Always a personal fave player of mine, I wish him well.
— Whiff of Cordite (@WhiffofCordite) December 28, 2015
As he moves to Bordeaux, can’t help but think of those lost games of Madigan at ten. AKA the Gopperth era.
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) December 28, 2015
Ian Madigan to join Bordeaux. A blow to Bristol who wanted him. Quins were also in the running for a while and then pulled out.
— Neil Fissler (@neilfissler) December 28, 2015
And before you all ask, yes, I will be dropping Ian Madigan to the airport. Jesus, i practically raised him. #BigThanks #Legend
— Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (@RossOCK) December 28, 2015
Mads leaving is a big boost to both PJ and Cathal Marsh.
— Oval Digest (@OvalDigest) December 28, 2015
Madigan really never was an option for Munster. They need a more traditional controlling & kicking ten than a 'maverick'.
— Oval Digest (@OvalDigest) December 28, 2015
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
