Cardiff's United Rugby Championship campaign came to a close with a 44-21 quarterfinal defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town, leaving the team with mixed emotions. Despite the loss, players and coaches expressed pride in a season that saw significant progress for the Welsh side.
Wing Josh Adams acknowledged the disappointment but highlighted the season's achievements. "We're disappointed with the result, but throughout the season we've been great. We finished sixth and were in the top eight for the whole season," he said.
Cardiff interim head coach Corniel van Zyl, who stepped up after Matt Sherratt's departure, praised the squad's resilience. "To end up sixth, with 16 quality teams, makes us proud. Unfortunately we couldn't push on to the next step," van Zyl remarked.
The team secured 11 league victories, eight at home, but struggled away from Arms Park. Flanker Dan Thomas noted the importance of reaching the playoffs but emphasized the desire for silverware. "Making the play-offs is important for the club, but no one remembers who loses in quarter-finals," he said.
Looking ahead, Cardiff have signed veteran Australian prop Scott Sio to bolster their scrum, which was dominated by the Stormers. Thomas admitted, "Our set-piece needs to improve. The Stormers were dominant, and we didn't cope."