Ireland Coach Responds To Not Calling Up Ian Madigan With A Sly Dig
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Don’t expect to see Ian Madigan in an Irish squad anytime soon.
The former Leinster outhalf, who made the move to Bordeaux Begles in the Top 14 at the start of the season, has been overlooked by Ireland boss Joe Schmidt, despite injuries to Johnny Sexton and Joey Carberry.
Sexton was ruled out today leaving Ireland in a situation where uncapped centre Rory Scannell or Munster replacement back Ian Keatley, are there only two options for the bench on Saturday as back-up to Paddy Jackson.
Ireland forward coach Simon Easterby was asked today if it’s a concern that neither of those potential tens start for their province, and responded with:
“What’s the alternative?”
Of course, Madigan’s name was the first mentioned in response and Easterby was quick to throw in a sly dig and defend the Irish set-ups decision to not bring him in.
Is he the first-choice for Bordeaux?”
“Unfortunately he couldn’t be with us last weekend anyway because he was on the bench for Bordeaux against Clermont. So it compromises his position with us when he’s not playing in Ireland,” continued Easterby.
“We’re trying to support the guys who are staying here and, on the whole, that will be the case. Circumstances may allow us to look outside of that, but as it happens at the moment we’ve got three guys in.
“Mads hasn’t been selected in the squad. He couldn’t be involved last week so that didn’t help his cause.”
Sounds like we won’t be seeing Madigan in a green jersey as long as he’s in France.
