Ulster first but Ireland return looms large in Ian Madigan's thinking

“It's my number one goal to play for Ireland.”

Ian Madigan during an Ulster Rugby squad training session at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Robyn McMurray for Ulster Rugby via Sportsfile

Ian Madigan's first priority is to claim a toehold in Ulster's matchday squad but the talented out-half admits that his overarching ambition on returning to Ireland after stints in France and England is to wear the green jersey again.

Now 31, Madigan left Leinster in 2016 for a new challenge with Bordeaux-Begles. Three years with Bristol Bears followed. Neither postings were ultimately successful but he is back under the eye of the IRFU and head coach Andy Farrell now since landing in Belfast and eager to return to the test scene.