Interest is piqued in Munster, Ulster and Connacht
Madigan has played once at out-half, against Zebre, for the province this season. He looks set to feature at inside centre this weekend as Leinster seek to reverse last Sunday’s Champions Cup defeat to Harlequins.
It has been suggested, since Sexton’s return was confirmed, by former Munster players Ronan O’Gara and Alan Quinlan that a move away from Leinster may be in Madigan’s best interests. SportsJOE asked the player if he would ever consider a provincial switch in the future.
Madigan says, ‘For me, I’m contracted up until the end of the 2015/16 season. That’s my main focus. It’s very hard, as a player, to look past that but you’d be naive to rule out ever playing for another club in a professional sport. I’m very happy at Leinster, though, and I’d love to stay here as long as possible.’
Leinster skills and kicking coach Richie Murphy says, ‘Ian is signed until the end of next season and that process of re-signing him will begin in and around World Cup time. He has been a fantastic player for us this year. His goal-kicking has been phenomenal and his ability to slot in and out of different positions has been great. He is going in with no pre-conceived notions about where he should be playing. He’s getting on with it and doing what is best for the team.’
Murphy confirmed to SportsJOE that Jimmy Gopperth would be leaving the club next summer. He says, ‘Jimmy feels he still wants to be a first team player and has decided to look around… we’re aware that he is looking and we’re aware that Wasps had been talking to him. I don’t think they are the only team that have been talking to him. He’s a quality player and 10s are hard to find around Europe.’
Madigan has mainly played in midfield this season but is not ready to simply step aside and allow Sexton to reclaim the 10 jersey after Gopperth leaves. The 25-year-old says, ‘Wherever I’m picked, I’m going to play to the best of my ability and do the best I can for the team.
‘Playing centre isn’t massively different to playing out-half. The way Matt (O’Connor) would have me playing in the team, I’m more of a play-making 12 rather than someone who is just going to smash it up. I really enjoy that part of it and the fact that I’m doing the goal-kicking is great.
Madigan adds, ‘It’s about continuing to improve. I haven’t concentrated or focused much on Johnny coming back next year because it is a full year away.
‘He won’t be back playing in Leinster until after the World Cup, which would be well into October. When he does come back I’ll be focusing on myself and trying to make myself as good a player as possible. I’ll see where that takes me as a player but at least I’ll know I stayed true to myself.’
