Leinster vs Ulster | PRO14 Final 2020

FINAL LEINSTER V ULSTER
Bordeaux before Bristol Bears
came calling.
He spent three seasons at
Ashton Gate but his career
fizzled out in the last 18 months,
restricted to a season on the
bench.
Now 31, he’s back in the
Guinness PRO14. And
though Billy Burns has a
tight hold on the No.10
jersey, Madigan is Ulster’s
not-so-secret weapon
hoping to tear down
Leinster’s perfect
campaign.
“I don’t really have any
demons from the last 18
months because I still
think I’ve been true to
myself in how I’ve gone
about my training and
getting my mind and my
body right to hit the ground
running with Ulster,” he said.
“At the same time, it was a
period that went quite slowly
for me. I’m very lucky because
I have great people around me
- my fiancée Anna, my parents,
my friends - and just being able to
draw on them and being around
them throughout the last few months
built up my confidence again.
“Even with the club, Dan (McFarland)
is big on the psychological side
and he’s been great at building my
confidence up and ensuring I fit into
the squad really quickly.
“It’s happened thick and fast but I’d
have it no other way.”
Ulster are aware of how tall their
task is on Saturday night. Leinster
are chasing history, attempting
to win every game en route to
the title.
Few expect them to stumble
but then few expected Japan
to beat South Africa, Greece
to win the Euros or the
Giants to beat the Patriots.
Ulster have hope. And
they also have Madigan.
“A big part of it is
what is going on in
your head, filling
your head with
positive thoughts.”
12|09|20 AVIVA STADIUM | DUBLIN 53