Joe Schmidt’s mixed messages in relation to Ian Madigan certainly don’t clear up matters

Depending on who you ask, there was some surprise when Joe Schmidt announced his 40-man squad for the Six Nations earlier in the week.

The 40-man squad offered a number of talking points, from Munster's high representation, uncapped players and probably most noteworthy, the fact that only two out-halves were named in the squad. This issue has divided many, with some commentators arguing the fact that Ian Madigan knew what he was signing up for when he decided to play his rugby in the Top14 with Bordeaux Begles. Others argue that where you play your rugby shouldn't dictate your selection for the national team. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/823653545673101312 Nevertheless, Madigan has not been named in the squad but Schmidt, speaking at today's Six Nations launch, told reporters that Madigan isn't completely out of his thoughts.

"I've kept in touch with Ian. He would slot back in pretty seamlessly for us, so that's still something potentially that we could look at, Schmidt said."

Madigan has been injured for a portion of this season and Schmidt also cites the fact that his availability in camp would also be hampered due to his commitment to his club, Bordeaux.

"You only get that three-day opportunity with the window. So it complicates that. Ian had an injury earlier in the season so he hasn't had a lot of rugby really."

So we have Schmidt citing reasons why Madigan hasn't been named in the squad, injury and club commitments. Schmidt also mentions during his interview that Munster centre, Rory Scannell, can also cover out-half if the situation arose.

"The first time I saw Rory play for Dolphin against Belvedere he had a fantastic game at 10," said Schmidt. "There's a big difference between that and Murrayfield but he would be the guy who could cover there.

So there is definitely mixed messages from Schmidt in relation to Madigan's potential participation in this year's Six Nations. You would imagine Madigan's inclusion would only come at the expense of an injury to either Johnny Sexton, Paddy Jackson or Rory Scannell. Nevertheless, with Sexton's durability in doubt, we may find out at some stage over the next couple of weeks what Schmidt's stance on Madigan really is.