Cardiff misplaced head coach Matt Sherratt to Steve Tandy’s backroom workers just some days earlier than the season began, with forwards boss Corniel van Zyl making the step as much as change him.
“We’re pleased with the boys from the place we began the season into how we completed,” mentioned van Zyl.
“To finish up sixth, with 16 high quality groups, I say would make us proud. Sadly we could not push on to the subsequent step and that is the disappointing half.”
Van Zyl guided Cardiff to 11 league victories, with eight of these coming at their Arms Park residence.
With just one URC win achieved outdoors of Wales this season, securing an unlikely play-off victory in South Africa towards a former event winner was at all times going to be a tricky ask.
The squad touchdown just some days earlier than the fixture after a 6,000-mile flight to Cape City added to their activity.
Cardiff flanker Dan Thomas has been one of many shining lights this season and once more impressed towards Stormers.
The open-side didn’t need to settle for defeat however acknowledged the steps made within the 2025-26 marketing campaign.
“Everybody was proud of how the season went, we made the play-offs which was essential for the membership, however no-one remembers who loses in quarter-finals,” Thomas advised S4C.
“Making the play-offs is essential for the membership.
“It is an odd one, we’re proud of how the season has gone, however you need silverware. It’s again to the drafting board now and we have to begin once more.”
Cardiff have signed Australian veteran prop Scott Sio subsequent season, which they’ll hope shores up a scrum taken aside by Stormers.
“It’s apparent, our set-piece wants to enhance,” mentioned Thomas.
“The Stormers have been dominant and we did not cope. We knew it was coming and nonetheless could not cease it.
“We all know the arduous work will begin in pre-season.”
