IAN MADIGAN WILL leave Leinster at the end of the season to join French side Bordeaux Bègles, it has been confirmed.
The 26-year-old’s contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) expires next summer and the out-half has decided his future lies outside of Ireland after penning a two-year deal with the Top 14 outfit.
Madigan had been heavily linked with a move away from the province and last month admitted he was weighing up his options.
The return of Johnny Sexton from Racing Metro means opportunities at out-half have been limited for Madigan, although he did feature in last night’s victory at Thomond Park.
In a statement released on the Leinster website this afternoon, Madigan admitted leaving the province he played 135 times for was a difficult decision to make.
“While this was a very difficult decision for me to make, leaving the club that I have represented my whole professional life, I feel that the timing is right and it is a challenge that I’m looking forward to,” he said.
“Bordeaux Bègles are a team that are making strides in the Top 14 and in Europe and I look forward to being part of that journey and to experiencing a new style of rugby and a new life in France.
“I’d like to thank everyone in Leinster Rugby for their support over the years.”
Madigan made his Leinster debut against the Dragons in May 2009 after progressing through the province’s ranks and the IRFU were keen to retain his services.
However, Madigan was swayed by Bordeaux’s advances after visiting the club’s training facilities and stadium earlier this month.
He’ll face competition from French international Lionel Beauxis, Pierre Bernard and Romain Lonca for a starting berth in the south-west of France.
Madigan follows Sexton and Paul O’Connell in moving to the Top 14 while JJ Hanrahan left Munster for Northampton last summer.
“Ian has been a tremendous servant to Leinster and Irish rugby and we wish him well with his move abroad,” Leinster head coach Leo Cullen commented.
“We fully understand his motivations for deciding to join Bordeaux. Ian has come through the Leinster Academy and age grade system and at 26 still has a huge future in the game and we may see him return to Leinster at some point.”
Bordeaux are currently fifth in the Top 14 standings but sit bottom of their Champions Cup pool. They are coached by former French hooker Raphael Ibanez and presently have Australian pair Adam Ashley-Cooper and Sekope Kepu on their books.
Madigan paid special thanks to the Leinster supporters as he prepares to begin the next chapter of his career.
“Finally to the Leinster Rugby supporters, who have been hugely supportive of me in good times and in bad, thank you. There is a huge few weeks and months ahead with Leinster, and I look forward to playing my part and trying to finish the season out as strongly as possible for them.”
