Madigan ‘a must’ for Lions tour

Fergus McFadden believes Ian Madigan’s form will make it very difficult for Warren Gatland to omit the Leinster out-half from his Lions touring squad when the selection is confirmed after the Heineken and Amlin semi-finals later this month.

The 24-year-old has been in sensational form for his province this season and especially so since Jonathan Sexton limped out of the England Six Nations game back in February and opened up a regular berth in the province’s number 10 shirt.

“It’s a funny time of year because, in fairness to Ian, he has been consistently good for Leinster this year and he has got his first few Irish caps,” said McFadden.