HE’S BEEN AWAY from home for over two years but Ian Madigan, beginning to find form with Bristol, is determined to wear the green jersey once again.
Madigan played the last of his 30 Tests in 2016 when he came off the bench in the closing stages of Ireland’s 19-13 loss to the Springboks in Port Elizabeth.
Plying his trade outside Irish borders since – first with French club Bordeaux, now in England’s Premiership, makes his fight for a recall difficult.
While no written policy exists as such, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has been clear about his intention to select from within in order to protect the provinces. In part this edict also came about due to the feeling Johnny Sexton was run into the ground during his two-year stint in Paris with Racing 92.
Madigan is not alone in being excluded from Irish squads since shifting abroad in search of more game-time. Former Munster finisher Simon Zebo is also yet to add to his 35 Tests since announcing his move to Racing this year.
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In Ireland’s last tour to Australia in June, Sexton and Munster 22-year-old Joey Carbery were preferred as No 10 options. But with next year’s World Cup looming, Madigan has not given up hope of breaking back in.
“It’s still my number one goal to represent Ireland,” Madigan said. “I’m working as hard as I can to perform at Bristol. I feel if I do that to the best of my ability I’ll provide Joe Schmidt with another option at out-half. That’s what I’m looking to do this season.
“Selection isn’t something I can control but performing to the best of my ability and working hard day in, day out, is so that’s how I look to go about my business.
“I’ve savoured every one of my caps for Ireland and played each one like it was my last. I’ve such fond memories of playing in the green jersey and I hope to be able to add to them.”
Madigan keeps in touch with Schmidt following their extended time together at Leinster.
“He knows me really well and I know him really well and what he expects of his players and how his system works. I’ve got a very good relationship with Joe. He was a coach I learnt a huge amount from and got on with very well.”
In the driver’s seat with Bristol this season, Madigan is well aware his ability to cover fullback and midfield could add value for the national team.
“The more flexible you are the more it helps you get into squads and match-day 23s. I’m conscious of that. I’m always looking to make sure I’m staying on top of the key skills of the game; making sure I’m good under the high ball and the different type of kicks you might have to make in the back three.
“I’m clear that my ambition is to be playing out-half but if covering spots in the centre or elsewhere helps then I’d certainly be willing to do that. It’s something I’ve done for a large part of my career.”
Two years out of the test scene is a long wait but Madigan feels he has matured on and off the field in that time, having now featured in three countries, all of which embrace different styles and nuances.
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His stint in France was particularly challenging.