CARDIFF RUGBY
Head CoachCorniel van Zyl
Corniel van Zyl is the head coach of Cardiff Rugby, the former Italy lock confirmed permanently in April 2026 after steadying the club mid-season.
Tenure record
as of 30 May 2026By competition
United Rugby Championship 5P · 3W · 0D · 2L
Corniel van Zyl has overseen 5 completed Cardiff Rugby matches in our database since April 2026 — 3 won, 0 drawn, 2 lost. That is a 60.0% win rate, with 112 points scored and 145 conceded.
Records are computed from the WeTalkRugby match database and cover matches we hold data for within this tenure. They are not an official all-time record.
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Coaching career
- 2026- Cardiff Rugby Head Coach
Players under Corniel van Zyl
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About Corniel van Zyl
Corniel van Zyl is the head coach of Cardiff Rugby, confirmed permanently on a long-term contract in April 2026 after seven months leading the side on a caretaker basis.
Born in January 1979 in South Africa, he was a lock who spent the bulk of his career at Benetton Treviso, making more than 150 appearances. He qualified for Italy on residency and won eight caps between 2011 and 2012, including selection for the 2011 World Cup squad.
Coaching
He was forwards coach at the Free State Cheetahs for five years from 2015, across Super Rugby and the PRO14, then moved to London Irish in January 2021 until the club’s collapse in 2023, and on to Ealing Trailfinders. He joined Cardiff as forwards coach for the 2024–25 season.
Stepping up
When Matt Sherratt left for the Wales attack role with immediate effect in September 2025, van Zyl took over team leadership alongside Gethin Jenkins, Jonny Goodridge and Scott Andrews. Steadying a disrupted squad through the club’s 150th-anniversary campaign earned him the job outright.
Style
A set-piece and forwards specialist, valued particularly for maul and lineout detail. He has not yet won a trophy as a head coach.
Frequently asked
Who is the head coach of Cardiff Rugby?
Corniel van Zyl is the head coach of Cardiff Rugby.
When did Corniel van Zyl take charge?
Corniel van Zyl took over at Cardiff Rugby in April 2026.
What is Corniel van Zyl's record?
From 5 matches in our database: 3 wins, 0 draws and 2 defeats — a 60.0% win rate.
What nationality is Corniel van Zyl?
Corniel van Zyl is South African.
How old is Corniel van Zyl?
Corniel van Zyl is 47 years old.
