It’s been a while since Cardiff reached the URC/Pro 14 play-offs, but the Welsh side ended their run of chaos last season by finishing an enviable sixth place, securing a place in the European Champions Cup in the process. With South African head coach Corniel van Zyl now in charge, the Arms Park has more reason for optimism than in years past.
Below The world of rugby gives our verdict on Cardiff’s prospects for the new season. You’ll also be able to read our reviews of each URC and Gallagher PREM team as we prepare for the big start on Friday, September 25th.
Cardiff Rugby discussion points
After their best finish in the URC table since 2011, the mood in Cardiff is better than it has been for some time, even if last season’s title bid ended quickly with a quarter-final loss to the Stormers.
Corniel van Zyl was subsequently appointed head coach Matt Sherratt he left to join Wales and the South African’s success saw him rewarded with a new long-term deal in April.
Entering the club’s 150th anniversary season, the onus is on Cardiff to return to the play-offs. Defensively, they were one of the better teams in the competition last season with an 81% tackle success rate and fifth in turnovers, with Dan Thomas (263) and Alun Lawrence (244) two of the best forwards in the entire competition.
If their offense can get going now, as they had the second-fewest shutouts last season with 79, they will stay in the playoffs.
A key player
It’s hard to look past last year’s player of the season, Dan Thomas. The former Bristol winger crossed the Severn in 2024 and has become a big hit in the Welsh capital for his defensive work, typified by one impressive save in the loss to the Stormers. Now 32, Carmarthen-born Thomas has surprisingly never played against Wales.
Opposition defenses will be keeping an eye on URC’s reigning new generation player Tom Bowen (Simon Galloway/Getty Images)
One to watch
New signings Scott Sio and Jarrod Evans should make a significant impact, but Tom Bowen is the entertainer at the box office, having been recognized by the URC for the Next Generation Player award. Lightning fast, as he showed for Wales U20 this summer.
Trainer box
Van Zyl’s coaching group has plenty of familiar names, including Leigh Halfpenny as batting coach following his retirement and Gethin Jenkins oversees the defense of the region. Kiwi Dan Bowden, who has built a solid reputation as an attacking coach, including with the Japanese national team, is now in the game.
Cardiff Rugby Prediction 2026-27
The Arms Park has become a tricky place for visiting teams. Another top six finish would be a huge boost for Cardiff in their jubilee season – we think they can do it.
Cardiff Rugby 2026-27 quotas
200-1
Vital statistics
Cardiff shot more than any URC team last season – 572 times in open play. Averaged 30 shots per game.
Wales fly-half Jarrod Evans returns to Cardiff Arms Park after three seasons with Harlequins (Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Cardiff Rugby signings
- Le Roux Malan (Sharks)
- Scott Sio (Exeter Chiefs)
- Semis of Paea (Pacific)
- Jarrod Evans (Harlequins)
Cardiff Rugby ddepartures
- Ben Donnell (Ulster)
- Corey Domachowski (Scarlets)
- Leigh Halfpenny (retired)
- Mackenzie Martin (Béziers)
- Will Davies-King (Bedford Blues)
- Rory Jennings (Rosslyn Park)
- Dylan Barratt (released)
- Ed Byrne (released)
- Ollie Das (published)
- Josef Jones (released)
- Harrison Rock (published)
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