Cardiff coach Van Zyl holds talks with Benetton

Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl has confirmed he has held talks with Benetton about a return to Treviso – but stresses he would like to stay at the Arms Park.

The South African has been calling the shots for Cardiff in 2025-26 after Matt Sherratt left on the eve of the season for a job with Wales.

United Rugby Championship (URC) rivals Benetton are in the market for a new head coach for next season because Calum MacRae is leaving for family reasons.

It is reported Van Zyl, who played for the Italians, has been interviewed for the top job along with former Springboks boss 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 is under contract for another season in his official Cardiff role as forwards coach.

“It’s not my decision to stay on in the future and ultimately you need to look after yourself and your family.

Van Zyl spent eight seasons as a player at Benetton and won eight caps for Italy after qualifying on residency, featuring at the 2011 World Cup.

He went on to cut his coaching teeth with South African side Cheetahs before moving to Ealing Trailfinders and then to the Arms Park in 2024.

Van Zyl – who has never publicly been given the official title of interim head coach – has led the Blue and Blacks to fifth in the URC.

Along with being in a strong position to make the play-offs, Cardiff also qualified for the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup – and will travel to Benetton in the last 16 on 4 April.

They have enjoyed a strong campaign despite the uncertainty in Welsh rugby, with the prospect of the four professional clubs being cut to three.

Cardiff are at the centre of that after being taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) after going into administration in April 2025.

Cardiff play one of their three remaining home fixtures of the regular season when hosting Leinster on Friday (19:00 GMT).

They are boosted by the availability of wing Mason Grady, centre Ben Thomas and captain and hooker Liam Belcher after they were released by Wales for game time ahead of the Six Nations fixtures with Ireland and Italy.

Grady came off the bench against England and France while Thomas and Belcher featured as replacements at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.

Cardiff also have a large contingent with Wales Under-20s and may call on the services of wing Tom Bowen, due to the absence of Josh Adams because of Test duty and Iwan Stephens through injury.

Bowen, who has scored seven tries for his club this season, started in the first three rounds of the junior Six Nations.