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| Image: Irishrugby.ie |
After a promising third season with Leinster, many have tipped young back, Ian Madigan to have a bright future in the game. The 23 year old, who usually starts behind Johnny Sexton, has made the most of his playing opportunities during his breakthrough season. Madigan has been noted for his quick and accurate pass as well as his ability to switch between fly half, centre and full-back positions; a versatility that proves valuable to Leinster's competitive and talented squad. His consistent performances in both Heineken Cup and RaboDirect PRO 12 matches - where he is ranked as the top try scoring out-half - have helped Leinster's success against some of Europe's best teams. For his efforts, Madigan was voted Powerade Young Player of the Year at the annual Leinster Rugby awards. With Leinster's victory at Twickenham-their third Heineken Cup in four years- and a brief reprieve for the summer holidays, there is plenty for this promising young player to be smiling about. You've had a tremendously successful season, what do you put your progression down to?
"It's a combination of being in a really positive environment, being part of a very strong team and a lot of hard work in the gym and practice sessions on the pitch"
What has been your favourite moment of your career to date?
"Scoring a drop goal against Munster a few weeks ago, as a kid I used to love watching Munster play Leinster and it was a dream come true to get to play in one of the derbies"
Who do you admire as a player?
"Isa Nacewa has consistently been the best person I have played with, he just seems to always make the right decisions"
Many of the Irish rugby team have shown a flair for business ventures recently. You're studying a Bachelor of Business at the moment in DIT, would you hope to follow a similar entrepreneurial path in the future?
"At the moment I am just focusing on the rugby and finishing my degree but if an opportunity presented itself, I'd be interested in opening a restaurant or bar. Madigan's pubs are a big part of my family so it has always been an interest of mine"
Tommy Bowe has just launched his own shoe collection, is fashion an interest of yours? If so, where do you like to shop?
"I wouldn't be massively into fashion but I like to wear nice clothes and I'd enjoy a bit of shopping especially heading into the summer. BT2, All Saints and Hugo Boss would be favourites of mine"
Did you always know that you wanted to pursue a career in sport? "It was always an ambition of mine to become a professional rugby player but I knew it wasn't going to be easy"
Are you interested in any other sports?
"I used to love playing Gaelic when I was younger and I enjoy playing golf in the summer. I really like watching Rory McIlroy play and admire the way he came back from losing the masters to win the U.S open" |
| Image: Irishrugby.ie |
Any other pastimes?
"I did art for the junior cert and really enjoyed it, especially painting. I took it up again about a year ago and I like to do it to relax but I haven't had time in the last while between college and training"
How do you spend your time off?
"I enjoy going out for dinner, going to the cinema and at the moment playing crazy golf with a few friends in Dundrum!"
How would you spend an ideal Saturday night?
"A nice steak in Bear followed by a good movie. Something with Denzel Washington in it rarely disappoints, so maybe American Gangster"
If you could grab a pint with anyone who would you choose?
"If it was a pint, a comedian like Tommy Tiernan, I'm sure that would be a bit of fun"
If you could choose any destination for a holiday where would you go?
"I love holidaying in France. I used to do campsite holidays there as a kid and have very fond memories and friendships from La Garangeoire in the Vendee region"
Do you read much? What books do you enjoy?
"My favourite book is The Wolf of Wallstreet by Jordan Belfort. Reading it would make you realise some of the reasons why we are in such afinancial mess now!"
What sort of music do you like?
"I like a bit of everything, Snow Patrol, Eminem, 50 Cent and U2. I bought Lana Del Rey's album about a week ago and I'm really enjoying it"
Have you been to any good concerts recently?
"I saw Snow Patrol in concert a few months ago. They always put on a good show"
What are our hopes for next season?
"Just to keep improving and to continue to enjoy what I am doing and hopefully I won't go too far wrong"
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| Image: www.rabodirectpro12.com |
