Madigan content juggling the numbers

Another week, another new assignment for Ian Madigan.

Before yesterday, the 25-year old had featured at 10, 12 and 15 for Leinster. Last week brought his first taste of life off the bench this season when he managed nine minutes against South Africa. Yesterday brought with it a start for his country at out-half.

It’s a peripatetic lifestyle for any rugby player and it’s not by choice. It never is. Though he describes himself as an ‘employee’, and one who will work where and when he is told, he admits that his perfect number is ten.