Van Zyl in Talks with Benetton but Prefers to Remain at Cardiff
Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl, who previously played for Benetton, has confirmed that he has engaged in discussions with the Italian club regarding a possible return to Treviso. However, he emphasized his desire to continue his tenure at Cardiff Arms Park.
The South African has been leading Cardiff during the 2025-26 season after Matt Sherratt departed just before the season started to take a position with Wales.
Benetton, Cardiff's rivals in the United Rugby Championship (URC), are searching for a new head coach for the next season following Calum MacRae's decision to leave due to family reasons. It has been reported that Van Zyl, who has a playing history with the Italians, was interviewed for the role alongside former Springboks coach Jake White.
"It's probably not true that I have had an interview with them but I have had conversations with people at the club," said Van Zyl, who remains under contract for another season as Cardiff's forwards coach.
"It's not my decision to stay on in the future and ultimately you need to look after yourself and your family.
"I love Cardiff, I don't want to move anywhere else at this moment in time so we will see what happens. Hopefully I will have more clarity soon."
Van Zyl spent eight seasons playing for Benetton and earned eight caps for Italy after qualifying through residency, including participation in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
He began his coaching career with the South African side Cheetahs before moving to Ealing Trailfinders and then joining Cardiff Arms Park in 2024.
Although never officially titled interim head coach, Van Zyl has guided Cardiff to fifth place in the URC standings. The team is well positioned to reach the play-offs and has also qualified for the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup, where they will face Benetton in the last 16 on April 4.
Cardiff's campaign has been strong despite ongoing uncertainty in Welsh rugby, including the potential reduction of professional clubs from four to three. The club is central to these developments after being taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) following administration in April 2025.
The WRU has selected Ospreys owners, Y11 Sport and Media, as the preferred bidder for Cardiff.
Cardiff Boosted by Wales Trio Ahead of Leinster Clash
Cardiff will host Leinster for one of their three remaining home fixtures of the regular season on Friday at 19:00 GMT. The squad is strengthened by the availability of wing Mason Grady, centre Ben Thomas, and captain and hooker Liam Belcher, who were released by Wales to gain game time ahead of the Six Nations matches against Ireland and Italy.
Grady appeared off the bench against England and France, while Thomas and Belcher featured as replacements at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.
Cardiff also has a significant presence from Wales Under-20s and may call upon wing Tom Bowen due to the absence of Josh Adams, who is on Test duty, and Iwan Stephens, who is sidelined with injury.
Bowen, who has scored seven tries this season, started in the first three rounds of the junior Six Nations.
Leinster have been bolstered by the return of Lions centre Robbie Henshaw and former France prop Rabah Slimani. They could also feature All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane as they aim for their 12th consecutive win.
