Ian Madigan has become the latest Irish rugby player to decide that life in Ireland just isn’t exciting enough.
The Dubliner, who is Leinster’s back up to Johnny Sexton, has announced that he will be playing in the Top 14 next season with Bordeaux.
The out-half will join a growing number of Irish players trying their luck outside the remit of the IRFU and the reaction to his departure has been mixed.
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
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
'Thanks For The Memories' @Ian_madigan to leave Leinster to join Bordeaux Bègles at the end of the season pic.twitter.com/dBZ5BPZQSq
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) December 28, 2015
But it seems that Munster missing out on Madigan has irked most people,
Interesting move for Madigan. Wonder how it will affect his Ireland hopes. Thought the IRFU might push a move to Munster a bit harder.
— Simon Bracken (@SNBracken) December 28, 2015
@thepaulwilliams Suggestion seems to be he wouldn't go there as Dublin through and through. Interesting to see how this impacts Test career.
— Simon Thomas Rugby (@simonrug) December 28, 2015
https://twitter.com/Charlotte_McC19/status/681488253694963712
https://twitter.com/BavidDourke/status/681490994081181697
@BrianODriscoll @Ian_madigan munster should have broke the bank for @Ian_madigan fantastic player
— stephen slattery (@ssla2010) December 28, 2015
But some felt that he was never an option anyway
He was being offered a central IRFU contract AFAIK. And he turned down that golden ticket rather than join Munster.
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) December 28, 2015
And there's nothing wrong with that. I wish Madigan all the best in France. He deserves a shot at being the #1 #10 somewhere.
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) December 28, 2015
https://twitter.com/OvalDigest/status/681497106952130563