URC: Cardiff disappointed but proud as season ends with defeat to Stormers

The head coach beat Cardiff Matt Sherratt to Steve Tandy’s backroom staff Just days before the start of the season, the forward’s boss Corniel van Zyl moved to replace him.

“We’re proud of the boys from where we started the season to the way we ended it,” Van Zyl said.

“To finish sixth with 16 quality teams, I’d say would do us proud. Unfortunately we didn’t get to the next step and that’s the disappointing part.”

Van Zyl guided Cardiff to 11 league wins, eight of which came at home to their Arms Park.

With only one URC win outside of Wales this season, the prospect of a play-off win in South Africa against the former tournament winner was always going to be tough.

Adding to their task was the squad landing just days before the fixture after a 6,000-mile flight to Cape Town.

Cardiff flanker Dan Thomas has been one of the shining lights this season and again impressed against the Stormers.

The open side did not want to accept defeat but acknowledged the steps taken in the 2025-26 campaign.

“Everyone was happy with how the season went, we made the play-offs which was important for the club, but nobody remembers who lost in the quarter-finals,” Thomas told S4C.

“It’s important for the club to make the play-offs.

“It’s a weird one, we’re happy with the way the season went, but you want silverware. It’s back to the drawing board now and we have to start again.”

Cardiff have signed veteran Australian prop Scott Seau next season, which they hope will shore up a scrum picked apart by the Stormers.

“It’s clear, we need to improve our set-pieces,” Thomas said.

“The Stormers were dominant and we just couldn’t handle it. We knew it was coming and still couldn’t stop it.

“We know the hard work will start in pre-season.”