Joe Schmidt Reveals If Ian Madigan Is Still In The Irish Picture Or Not

Joe Schmidt has revealed that Ian Madigan could yet play for Ireland in the Six Nations.

The Ireland head coach however, has admitted that being based in France doesn’t help the outhalf’s chances. Schmidt goes into the tournament with just two recognised tens in the shape of Johnny Sexton and Paddy Jackson.

Schmidt however has revealed that uncapped Munster centre Rory Scannell will potentially cover at ten if needs be. Schmidt noted that with Madigan playing in France, the logistics just don’t work out.

Madigan has been playing well for Bordeaux this season, but has also suffered with a number of injuries.

“With Ian, he could only have done those two first days with us,” explained Schmidt.

“You only get that three-day opportunity with the window. So it complicates that.

Ian had an injury earlier in the season so he hasn’t had a lot of rugby really.

“I’ve kept in touch with Ian. He would slot back in pretty seamlessly for us, so that’s still something potentially that we could look at.”

Because Madigan is playing for his club against Clermont Auvergne this weekend, he would only have been able to take a limited part in the national team’s pre-Six Nations camp.

Madigan admitted last week that he didn’t feel his form this season coupled with his injury problems, warranted an international call-up.