Rugby Radio - Roundup

“Madigan off to try some Bordeaux”

Ian Madigan will leave Leinster next summer to join French Top 14 club Bordeaux Begles. The 26-year-old will leave his home province in a bid to secure a frontline playmaking role after understudying Johnny Sexton. Madigan has long been blessed with all the raw attributes to thrive at the highest levels but has been unable to force his way into a regular starting shirt with either Leinster or Ireland. Leinster coach Leo Cullen admitted he hopes Madigan can return to his home province in the future.

“Kvesic and England Number 7 in waiting”

Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys described Matt Kvesic as England’s “seven-in-waiting” after watching his openside rule the breakdown in Sunday’s 39-39 Aviva Premiership draw with Harlequins. Kvesic was named man of the match at Twickenham with a performance containing 15 tackles and three turnovers, including one steal that led directly to a try for James Hook. New England head coach Eddie Jones favours a traditional openside, offering Kvesic hope of starting the RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland on February 6.

“Ringrose shines as Leinster beat Munster”

Munster fell to their fifth straight defeat in all competitions as Zane Kirchner’s last-minute intercept try sealed a 24-7 win for Leinster at Thomond Park. Isa Nacewa’s fifth touchdown of the campaign spurred Leo Cullen’s men into a 10-0 lead by the quarter hour mark, with the 20-year-old Garry Ringrose starring in the centre. Sean O’Brien returned from injury to put in a man of the match performance.

“Andy Goode just won’t quit”

Newcastle have lured former England international Andy Goode out of retirement to help fill the void left by injured half-backs Mike Delaney and Ruki Tipuna. Goode, 35, was forced to quit due to injury in September, while the Falcons have also signed scrum-half Jamie Booth from New Zealand side Manawatu Turbos.