Ian Madigan's spell with Bordeaux-Begles will only last one season as he looks set to join Bristol next season.
The fly-half may join a club in the English second-tier, with Bristol looking likely to be relegated from the Premiership. They lost to Worcester Warriors 41-24 on Sunday, and lie seven points off safety with only five games left.
Madigan's move to Bristol, will see him work under Pat Lam. The Connacht coach is to leave the province at the end of the season to move to England.
BREAKING: Fly half @Ian_Madigan agrees switch to #BristolRugby on a three-year deal ahead of 2017/18 season. #WelcomeToBristol pic.twitter.com/7RoNpVpzu1
— Bristol Rugby (@Bristol_RFC) March 6, 2017
The former Leinster fly-half has struggled with injuries in recent months. He has found it difficult to move New Zealand's Simon Hickey out of the number ten jersey, with Top 14 chances being limited for the Dubliner.
Last month, Madigan said he would have been interested in a move to Ireland to improve his Ireland aspirations, but the reported €1.5million contract will do little for the 27-year-old's immediate international plans.
With a Lions tour to New Zealand this summer, Madigan hopes the opportunity to play for Ireland against the United States and Japan may arise.
"I want to show Joe [Schmidt] that I’m fit and well, and a viable option for him, for what’s going to be a pretty tough tour. America have built something really special over that past couple of years. Japan are similar. We saw what they are capable of in the last World Cup, when they beat South Africa."
Speaking about the move to Bristol, Madigan said the club's philosophy matches his 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."
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