First Johnny Sexton returned, then came Isa Nacewa and now it's looking increasingly likely that Robbie Henshaw is next. Ian Madigan may be able to cover a number of positions but eventually you'd have to think he's just going to say enough is enough.
There's only so long you can play back up and with Madigan's contract up at the end of this season, his time with Leinster may be coming to and end. And if he does leave it seems unlikely he'll stay in Ireland. Many will say that a move to Munster or Connacht would be ideal but the reality is that the money on offer abroad is likely to be too much for the IRFU to match.
The Irish Independent are today reporting that English Championship side Bristol are readying a bumper €500,000 a year contract for Madigan with Harlequins also keeping an eye on developments. If that figure is true, if would certainly give Madigan something to think about. He signed a new deal with Leinster in 2013, a deal which was thought to have doubled his previous €80,000 a year wages. Even if you're to put his current salary at €200,000, the move cross-channel would be extremely lucrative.
And that's completely ignoring the fact that a move would likely see the 26 year old become first choice out-half for the first time in his career. With Bristol ramping up their efforts to join the big hitters in the Aviva Premiership, a move for Madigan would certainly appeal and it's unlikely many Leinster fans would blame him for taking a serious look at it.
