Madigan to leave Leinster for Bordeaux-Begles

Ireland international fly-half Ian Madigan has announced that he will leave Irish Club Leinster and join French Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles.

Madigan will join Bordeaux-Begles on a two year deal from the start of next season.

Madigan has played 135 times for Leinster, scoring 765 points (24 tries) since his debut in May 2009 against the Newport Gwent Dragons and has won two Heineken Cups, a Challenge Cup and two PRO12 titles during his time with Leinster. He has also won 25 Irish caps and two 6 Nations titles.

Commenting on the announcement Leinster Rugby Head Coach, Leo Cullen said, “Ian has been a tremendous servant to Leinster and Irish rugby and we wish him well with his move abroad. 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.

“The key thing for us all now is that we are fully focused on a huge game on Friday against Connacht. After some really pleasing parts to our last performance it’s vital that we build on that and look to continually improve.”

Madigan also added, “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.

“Ian showed a great desire to join UBB, he wants to take on a new sporting challenge,” said Bordeaux president Laurent Marti.

“He and his family already know the area very well having been coming here regularly for several years. Ian can already communicate very well in French.”

Madigan, 26, is currently the understudy to Johnny Sexton in the Irish national team but can also play at full-back and centre.

He has spent his entire career at Leinster since making his professional debut with the Irish province in 2009 and was the most accurate kicker in last season’s Pro 12.