Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
| Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Tuesday, 28 October, 2003, 20:03 GMT
Madden rubbishes Scarlet claims
Martyn Madden
Martyn Madden has denied a Scarlets press release claiming that he quit the region because he refused to travel to Wrexham with the squad for Saturday's game against Borders.

The Wales prop dramatically left the Scarlets on Tuesday after a successful six years at Stradey Park, but he has refused to disclose the real reasons for the split.

"I've had great years in a happy family at Llanelli, but I've made the difficult decision that it is right to go at this moment," Madden told BBC Sport Wales.

"I can't understand where that (Scarlets) press release came from, I won't even comment on that but will keep it in-house between my family and friends. I think it's great that the club is playing in north Wales."

Madden says he is hurt after proving his loyalty to the club over the years.

A lot of people would like to see me back at Cardiff
Martyn Madden
"In my six years with Llanelli I've been approached by a number of clubs, but I've never taken the coin," he said.

"I'm sorry to leave the fans at Stradey. They took me in, despite the fact that I was a Cardiff boy, and they'll be a big loss to me."

Despite the setback, Madden, who has been out of action this season after a groin operation, is desperate to get back with club and country.

"I've got a wine bar in Cardiff and other interests to keep me going, but my main concern is to put that jersey back on," said Madden.

"I need to get back playing, get myself on the market and show people what they're missing.

"I put in a lot of work and made sacrifices over the summer with a personal trainer to try to make the World Cup, and I hope (Wales coach) Steve Hansen will respect the decision I have made with the Scarlets."

Cardiff call

Madden has been courted in the past by the likes of Leicester and Cardiff, and it would seem to be the Welsh capital club who are favourite to land the prop's signature.

"My phone hasn't stopped ringing with offers, but I've said I'm not ready yet," said Madden.

"I think it's 90% that I'll stay in Wales and I would consider Cardiff. They're a great club, my home town, and a lot of people would like to see me back there.

"But I'm prepared to travel and I might join an English or a French club."




CELTIC RUGBY

MATCH PREVIEWS/REPORTS
ESSENTIALS

OFFICIAL WEBSITES
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites
 



E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs

MMIX

Back to top

Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other sport...

BBC Sport Academy >> | BBC News >> | BBC Weather >>
About the BBC | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | Contact us
bannerwatch listenbbc sport