**Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has opened the door for Ulster’s Ian Madigan to return to the national set-up after the talented fly-half moved back to the Guinness PRO14.** The 31-year-old has not played for his country since 2016, when he left Leinster to join French team Bordeaux. After a year in France, he switched to Bristol Bears in England for three further seasons [but now he’s back in his homeland with Ulster.](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/six-nations/ian-madigan-can-make-an-ireland-return-after-joining-ulster-says-coach-andy-farrell-39429602.html) "He's the same as the rest of the halves," he said. "He's been a super player for Ireland over the years. "We know his versatility and what he brings to the squad as well. We hear he's come back in great form regarding training and I'm sure he'll be gunning to have a great start to his Ulster career." Meanwhile, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen is [confident his players can cope with the exhausting schedule ahead](https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2020/0809/1158207-cullen-happy-leinsters-irish-lions-can-handle-schedule/ ) – with next season swiftly followed by the Lions tour to South Africa. With an autumn international tournament set to take place through November, plus the 2021 Six Nations, it looks set to be a busy year. "In terms of the conversations with the national coaches, that gets managed very well in this country, and that’s a huge that this country has over other countries,” he said. "The dialogue is very positive, we both want what’s best for the players.
