Cardiff have ensured they have extended their season by at least two weeks by reaching the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs.
It is something they have achieved for the first time since the current URC knockout stages were introduced in the 2021-22 season.
Rematch Against Stormers Awaits
The reward is an immediate rematch with Stormers following Cardiff’s 22-16 success against the South African side in the final regular league match of the season at the Arms Park.
This time Cardiff will have to travel for the quarter-final fixture in Cape Town to face the South Africans in their own stadium on Saturday, 30 May (14:30 BST).
Finishing in the top eight was the ultimate goal at a time when Welsh rugby has been struggling on and off the field.
Van Zyl’s Impact
Cardiff are still owned by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) after being taken over by the governing body in April 2025 when the Arms Park outfit went into temporary administration.
The ownership did not stop the WRU taking away Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt just a few days before the start of the season after he was appointed as Steve Tandy’s new Wales attack coach.
Corniel van Zyl had been the forwards coach preparing for the new campaign, but was hastily promoted to lead the Cardiff staff.
The South African has galvanised the squad to 11 wins in 18 league games to finish in sixth place to set up the trip to play third-placed Stormers.
“If you look at the team, the growth from last season to this one, it is very pleasing,” said Van Zyl.
“If you asked me in the beginning of season I would have definitely have taken a top-eight finish.”
Arms Park Fortress
Cardiff play their home matches at the Arms Park.
Cardiff have managed to make the Arms Park a fortress this season with 10 wins in 11 games in all competitions, with the only defeat in the league against Scarlets in December.
The home form has been pivotal with eight out of their 11 league wins achieved at the Arms Park.
This was supplemented by away success in Welsh derbies at Scarlets and Dragons and a solitary win outside Wales, against bottom side Zebre in Italy.
“We’re lucky here with the unbelievable crowd which means we get good home support,” said fly-half Ioan Lloyd.
“They really help us out especially when games get tight and things get tough.”
Cardiff have also made a determined effort in recent seasons to engage with their fans after allowing them to come on the field after games and mingle with players.