Madigan gunning for pre-season fixtures

The Irish fly half, who made a summer switch from Bordeaux Begles in France, hailed the atmosphere in the Bristol camp and held out special praise for his competition for the number ten shirt – Billy Searle and Callum Sheedy.

“It’s been really refreshing getting to know Pat’s system,” he said.

“Short and sharp is how I’d describe pre-season so far - good intense sessions, but we’re not on our feet for too long.

“It’s been a really good pre-season so far. The coaches have all been involved, so when it’s a skills session with Bruce (Reihana), the defence coach will be there, the attack coach will be there, and Pat will be there - so all of the coaches are working together on different aspects so they're all on the same page.”

Madigan has been getting to know his new teammates on and off the pitch since arriving in the West Country and said he has been very impressed with the club’s young fly halfs.

“I think all three of us are learning off of each other,” he said.

“Billy's (Searle) a really good player - he's got a lot to his game, a really tidy left foot and is very comfortable passing off both sides.

“For a young guy he bosses the forwards around really well and Callum (Sheedy) is very similar, he's a really tidy footballer, works really hard in the gym and on the pitch and they're both really eager to learn, so I’m really looking forward to working alongside and competing against them.

“The people here are really friendly, I’ve been out for dinner a few times with some of the other players, nice restaurants and there is a really good atmosphere around here. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the supporters now.”