French clubs join race for Madigan

Top 14 sides Bordeaux-Bègles and Montpellier have reportedly shown an interest in signing Ireland star Ian Madigan.

The Irish Times state that the two French clubs are pursuing Madigan's signature, joining English sides Harlequins and Bristol as possible suitors for the 26-year-old.

Madigan's contract expires at the end of the season and he has said in recent weeks that he will consider all possible options.

“I’ll weigh up the pros and cons of staying here, the pros and cons of going elsewhere, the ambitions of the other clubs," he said.

“The opportunities to play in the fly-half position, or the inside centre position, and the style of play of Leinster going forward, and the style of play of other clubs; that would be of interest.”

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/french-clubs-join-race-for-madigan/

This is getting a bit out of hand now, not even the Irish provinces can keep hold of their best players. When is all this madness going to stop ?

LordDowlais wrote:This is getting a bit out of hand now, not even the Irish provinces can keep hold of their best second string players. When is all this madness going to stop ?

Fixed that for you.

Race on for Madigan? - aw come on it's Xmas not April 1st.

Fair play to his agent for trying but hard to imagine the IRFU or Cullen falling for this tosh. Next he'll be doing a ROG and meeting the Miami Dolphins.

Leinster are trying to sign Rhys Webb according to another report

LordDowlais wrote:Madigan's contract expires at the end of the season and he has said in recent weeks that he will consider all possible options.

“I’ll weigh up the pros and cons of staying here, the pros and cons of going elsewhere, the ambitions of the other clubs," he said.

“The opportunities to play in the fly-half position, or the inside centre position, and the style of play of Leinster going forward, and the style of play of other clubs; that would be of interest.”

This sounds less like clubs chasing his signature and more like Madigan (and his agent) putting out a full page "Come and get me, please!" advert. It sounds like he's open to any and all offers. The tart!

"and the style of play of Leinster going forward"

Sounds like a bit of a dig at his current side, no?

Still, he's an emotional lad so he's probably just getting carried away (if only there was a crying/fist pump/clapping smiley!)

have to say, Madigan would be a great addition to UBB. His style of play would fit perfectly there playing inside an exciting quick young SH like Lesgourgues and having outside him AAC. However not so much in Montpellier under Jack White. Clermont also looking for a replacement for Brock James...

LordDowlais wrote:
This is getting a bit out of hand now, not even the Irish provinces can keep hold of their best players. When is all this madness going to stop ?

Its hardly getting out of hand as he's thinking of leaving because he's not first choice so it speaks to the depth of some squads

The article fails to mention that Munster are an option as theres talk of Keatley heading back to Connacht

Its also a well trodden path of talking up leaving to get a better deal to stay