Cardiff Reflects on Progress Despite Quarter-Final Exit to Stormers
Disappointment mixed with pride marked the mood of Cardiff players and coaches after their season concluded with a 44-21 defeat against Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off quarter-finals on April 29, 2023, in Cape Town. This match not only ended Cardiff's season but also wrapped up the Welsh domestic campaign, as Ospreys, Scarlets, and Dragons failed to reach the top eight. Cardiff finished sixth in the regular season, showcasing significant progress amid ongoing financial challenges. Josh Adams, Cardiff and Wales wing, expressed: "We're disappointed with the result, but throughout the season we've been great. It's been successful. Our target was to finish in the top eight, and we achieved that." Head coach Corniel van Zyl, who stepped up after Matt Sherratt left for Steve Tandy's backroom staff just before the season started, emphasized the team’s achievements: "To end up sixth, with 16 quality teams, makes us proud. Unfortunately, we couldn't push on to the next step, and that's disappointing." Van Zyl led Cardiff to 11 league victories, with eight at their home ground, Arms Park. However, the team struggled away, securing only one URC win outside of Wales this season. The squad’s late arrival in Cape Town, following a 6,000-mile flight, compounded their challenges. Dan Thomas, a standout flanker this season, acknowledged the mixed feelings: "Making the play-offs is important for the club. No one remembers who loses in quarter-finals. It’s back to the drawing board now." Looking ahead, Cardiff has signed Scott Sio, an Australian veteran prop, aiming to bolster their scrum, which struggled against the Stormers. Thomas noted, "Our set-piece needs to improve. The Stormers were dominant, and we didn’t cope." Despite the challenges, Cardiff showed resilience this season. Van Zyl remarked, "There were rough times with off-field issues, but we can't use that as an excuse. Ultimately, performance on the pitch is what counts." As Cardiff prepares for the 2026-27 campaign, they remain under the ownership of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), with plans to reduce the number of professional teams by 2028 looming on the horizon.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-31