Cardiff has appointed Corniel van Zyl as their permanent head coach, signing a long-term deal. Van Zyl, who previously served as forwards coach, took over after Matt Sherratt's departure and is currently leading the team towards potential URC play-off qualification.
South-African born Corniel van Zyl made more more than 150 appearances for Benetton and qualifying on residency to represent Italy. [Huw Evans Agency]
Cardiff have appointed Corniel van Zyl as the new permanent head coach with the South African signing a long-term deal.
Van Zyl, 47, joined Cardiff as forwards coach in 2024 and stepped up to lead the squad after Matt Sherratt's departure to Steve Tandy's backroom Wales staff, just before the 2025-26 season started.
Under Van Zyl's leadership, Cardiff are in contention to finish in the top eight and reach the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs.
The Blue and Blacks are currently sixth with four league games remaining.
"It is an honour and privilege to take the lead at Cardiff," said Van Zyl.
"It is a club full of history, with an exciting future ahead.
"I am thankful for the opportunity and challenge that lies ahead and grateful to the board for their backing.
"On a personal level, I love Cardiff. It is an environment with so many people that care deeply about the badge. That is my motivation to keep driving us forward."
Since retiring from playing in 2015, Van Zyl has experience with stints as forwards coach at Free State Cheetahs, London Irish and Ealing Trailfinders.
He had been linked with the head coach role at Benetton, but that position has been filled by former Scarlets and Wales boss Wayne Pivac.
"We have built a strong working relationship this season and I have seen at first-hand the standards Corniel brings and drives every day," said Cardiff Rugby managing director Jamie Muir.
"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."
Muir explained why the appointment had not been made sooner.
"We didn't want to rush into a decision when Matt Sherratt departed, but we have been impressed with Corniel," said Muir.
"He brings a different edge to the club, and a competitive mindset combined with calm leadership.
"We are excited about the direction we are heading and are confident, with the guidance and leadership from Corniel and his staff, we can continue building a squad and culture supporters can be proud of.
"This appointment is about long-term progress, stability and ambition and we are looking forward to what comes next."
Corniel van Zyl is a South African former rugby player who joined Cardiff as forwards coach in 2024 before being appointed as the permanent head coach.
Under Corniel van Zyl's leadership, Cardiff is in contention to finish in the top eight and qualify for the United Rugby Championship play-offs.
Corniel van Zyl stepped up to become head coach of Cardiff just before the start of the 2025-26 season.
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