Bristol RFC has confirmed the capture of Ian Madigan. He'll join the English side next year on a three year deal.
He’ll link up with Pat Lam who’ll take over as head coach from next season too. The out-half will move from Top 14 side Bordeaux Begles having been granted an early release from his contract.
Madigan recently expressed a desire to return to Ireland but with no deal reached with the IRFU to join one of the provinces, England is his next destination.
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VIDEO: Check out <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BristolRugby?src=hash">#BristolRugby</a>'s new signing <a href="https://twitter.com/Ian_madigan">@ian_madigan</a> in action. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MagicIanMadigan?src=hash">#MagicIanMadigan</a> <a href="https://t.co/uLtntnQf3Z">pic.twitter.com/uLtntnQf3Z</a></p>— Bristol Rugby (@Bristol_RFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bristol_RFC/status/838667978958753793">March 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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“The opportunity to come to England and prove myself here is one that I relish,” Madigan said.
“Bristol Rugby has a clear vision for what they want to achieve and the Club’s philosophy match my own ambitions.
“I know the expansive style of rugby that Pat Lam and his coaching team want to play and that excites me. I was so impressed with the vision that was laid out to me, it made it an easy decision to commit to Bristol.
“The culture that the Club are building, coupled with a city that loves its rugby, is something that really appeals to me. I’m looking forward to representing Bristol in front of the passionate supporters at Ashton Gate.”