Madigan pens three-year Bristol deal

IAN Madigan has signed a threeyear deal to join Bristol from Bordeaux this summer, in a move that will be unlikely to improve his fortunes with Ireland.

The 27-year-old has agreed a lucrative switch to the Ashton Gate club, but will in all probability spend next season in England’s second-tier Championship.

Bristol, who are seven points adrift at the foot of the Aviva Premiership table, are understood to have outbid Northampton in a deal worth almost £500,000 a season to recruit Madigan, with the Irish provinces unwilling to compete with those terms.

Madigan left Leinster last summer in a bid for a regular starting berth at fly-half, but has agreed a release halfway through his contract in France to join Bristol.

“The opportunity to come to England and prove myself here is one that I relish,” said Madigan, who will join Bristol in the summer.

“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 (incoming head coach) Pat (Lam) and his coaching team want to play and that excites me.

Bristol have also announced that promising Welsh fly-half Callum Sheedy has agreed a new deal with the club.

The 21-year-old, who has been on loan at Championship side Jersey Reds this season, said: “I’m delighted to have re-signed for Bristol and I’m looking forward to what the future brings at the club. I’m looking forward to continue growing my game by working and learning from a world-class flyhalf like Ian (Madigan).”