Ireland rugby team manager Paul Dean has revealed his hope that Ian Madigan will choose to return to Ireland if he leaves his current club Bordeaux Bègles this summer.
Reports in France's Midi Olympique on Monday suggested that the former Leinster out-half has asked to be released from his final year of his contract with a number of English Premiership sides interested in signing him.
Irish players based outside IRFU auspices are not automatic selections in Ireland squads, with ex-Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan gauging that "it's a harder policy now than when I was coach".
Madigan was fully aware and understanding of that when he spoke to Newstalk Sport's Oisin Langan in January as Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt's 2017 Six Nations squad was announced with the ex-Leinster man not selected.
"Joe and the IRFU want their players in Ireland so they can control game time. They can have mini-camps, which can be very important... I completely understand that. For me it's about improving as a player. If I do get the opportunity to wear green, it's the ultimate for me," the 31 time Ireland cap said at the time.
Speaking today ahead of Ireland's upcoming Six Nations match against France, Paul Dean said
"Personally I'd love to see him back in Ireland. We'd certainly be able to invite him to the sessions and keep an eye on him and watch his progress," said Dean.
"It's difficult when you're abroad as we all know. I think the [English] Premiership... I think he'd be better coming home [to Ireland] in my book."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
