The player moved back to his hometown club and is in a rich vein of form, earning him a call-up to the national side for the autumn internationals

08:40, 29 Oct 2025

Callum Sheedy has admitted his former Bristol team-mates warned him not to return to the “chaos” of Welsh rugby, but he has no regrets after rediscovering his best form with Cardiff and forcing his way back into the national squad.

The fly-half, who turned 30 on Monday, has been recalled to the Wales squad for the first time in three years following a bright start to the season for his hometown club. But his first year back in the capital has been anything but smooth.

Cardiff fell into administration earlier this year, lost their head coach on the eve of the new campaign, and continue to battle through financial uncertainty amid the Welsh Rugby Union’s plans to reduce the number of professional teams from four to three.

“It’s fair to say it’s been eventful,” Sheedy told the Daily Mail. “Before I signed in Wales and was playing at Bristol, all the English lads were telling me not to go back to Wales – because it was chaos.

“The first six months at Cardiff were great, and then in April we had the news we were entering administration. I’ll be honest, that was a very tough few weeks. I had friends at Worcester, Wasps, London Irish and Jersey – all those clubs went under. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think the same thing might happen to us.”

With fresh uncertainty swirling around the regional game, Sheedy says it’s impossible for players not to think about their futures.

“Now with all the news about potentially cutting a team in Wales, there’s lots going on again off the field,” he said.

“I just can’t wait for there to be a final decision so we can park it all and move on.

“Naturally, you do think about job security. I try not to, but it’s inevitable to a degree. We all need a line in the sand and to move forward as soon as possible, so we can help get the national team back to success and winning Six Nations and Grand Slams like we have done in the past. We also want regional rugby to be back at the top table.”

The WRU confirmed last week its intention to reduce the number of professional sides from four to three, with the details of how and when still unclear.

That uncertainty looms large as Steve Tandy’s Wales squad begin preparations for autumn Tests against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

Despite the off-field turmoil, Sheedy says his move back to Cardiff was absolutely the right call.

“I don’t regret coming back to Wales at all,” he said. “I loved my 10 years at Bristol, but when you’ve been somewhere that long, you need a change. Cardiff is my home city – it felt right.

“If it’s not your ambition to play for Wales, you’re in the wrong job. It’s still my dream to put on the red jersey. I’ve got to work hard every day and hopefully get the chance to wear it again.”

All 16 of Sheedy’s previous caps came under Wayne Pivac, the last in 2022. After falling out of contention under Warren Gatland, he has hit a rich vein of form and now has a chance to impress under new boss Tandy.

Cardiff’s strong start to the United Rugby Championship season – four wins from five – appears to have lifted spirits after a turbulent summer and Sheedy has been a key figure for his club. Now, though, he wants to replicate that for his county.

“Personally, I’m enjoying my rugby the most I have for ages,” he said. “I feel in a good place. Now it’s about working hard and helping Cardiff and Wales get back to where we belong.”

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