Cardiff reward van Zyl with permanant head coach contract

South African Corniel van Zyl has signed a new long-term contract to become head coach of Cardiff moving forward.

The 47-year-old former Italian international joined Cardiff as forwards coach in 2024 and then stepped up into the head coach position after Matt Sherratt left to join Wales, just before the current season started.

Adopting a kick-heavy approach, Cardiff have had a satisfying campaign to date, and are currently in the running to make the end-of-season play-offs. With four regular season games remaining, Cardiff are sixth, and it’s the top eight teams that qualify.

“It is such an honour and privilege to take the lead at Cardiff as we enter our 150th season. It is a club full of history and with a very exciting future ahead,” van Zyl said.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity and challenge that lies ahead and grateful to Jamie and the board for their backing.

“The mission is very simple – to improve every aspect of Cardiff Rugby. From all departments, resources, staff and players, we want to continuing growing, focusing on the finer details and margins to ensure we keep progressing in the right direction.

“We talk a lot about fight, enjoyment and growth, and ultimately, we want to keep building on those behaviours. We will keep on fighting, endeavour to play an enjoyable brand of rugby and grow from match to match and season to season.”

Van Zyl was linked with his former club Benetton earlier this year but that post has now been filled, with ex-Wales Wayne Pivac chosen to lead the Treviso-based outfit.

Since retiring in 2015, van Zyl has amassed a wealth of experience with stints as forwards coach at Free State Cheetahs, London Irish and Ealing Trailfinders, and Cardiff are delighted to have secured his services.

“We are really pleased to formally appoint Corniel as our new head coach on a long-term basis,” Cardiff Managing Director Jamie Muir said.

“We have built a strong working relationship this season and I have seen at first-hand the standards he brings and drives every day.

“It is a significant appointment for the club and one that has the full backing of myself and the board. We believe Corniel is the right person to lead our rugby programme and to continue strengthening every aspect of our high-performance environment.

“We didn’t want to rush into a decision when Matt Sherratt departed but we have all been so impressed with Corniel. He brings a different edge to the club, and a real competitive mindset combined with calm leadership.