Former Ireland captain Donal Lenihan has warned Joe Schmidt he cannot afford to let Ian Madigan's international career wither on the vine after the announcement of his move to France.
Leinster confirmed on Monday that the utility back has agreed a deal to join Top 14 side Bordeaux next summer, with Madigan himself saying the "timing is right" for him to make the leap.
Speaking to RTÉ 2fm's Game On, Lenihan said Ireland simply don't have the strength in depth to squander talent like Madigan or JJ Hanrahan, who left Munster for Northampton last summer.
"I think Ireland would be shortsighted not to include him in the Six Nations squad," Lenihan said.
"I admire Madigan. He’s taken the difficult decision and I hope it works out for him."
"He’ll obviously be in the Six Nations squad this year but from next year… I just think he’s too big a talent to let go.
“I think he’s a huge loss to the Irish system. I’m not overly surprised. Ian Madigan has always been an independent spirit; he plays that way.
"From Joe Schmidt’s point of view you want to see him playing week in week out at outhalf so the ideal scenario would have been, certainly for Munster, that he would have come south.
"But obviously the offer he’s got from Bordeaux is very attractive. They are building a very good side there. I would imagine he would have had to sit down and speak with Joe Schmidt but I think Madigan is a free spirit."
Madigan featured in all four of Ireland's World Cup games, excelling in the 24-9 victory over France that set up a quarter-final against Argentina, after stepping in for Sexton at short notice.
The move to Bordeaux will inevitably throw up questions about his long-term future with his country, but Lenihan feels it's imperative Ireland work hard to accommodate those talents who have gone to pastures new.
"We’ve already seen JJ Hanrahan leave last year so we’re not exactly swamped with options at No 10. If I were Joe Schmidt I’d be keeping a very close eye on him.
"We don’t have sufficient strength in depth to cut off ties with Madigan and by extension JJ Hanrahan.
“I admire Madigan. He’s taken the difficult decision and I hope it works out for him.”
