URC: Cardiff coach Van Zyl is in talks with Benetton

Cardiff coach Cornel van Zyl has confirmed he has held talks with Benetton about a return to Treviso, but stressed his desire to remain at Arms Park.

The South African was to take charge of Cardiff in the 2025-26 season after Matt Sherratt left on the eve of the season to take a job with Wales.

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

Van Zyl, who played for the Italian side, is reported to have been interviewed for the top job alongside former Springboks coach Jake White.

“Maybe it’s not true that I interviewed them, but I had conversations with people at the club,” said Van Zyl, who is under contract for another season in his official position as Cardiff’s attacking coach.

He added: “It is not my decision to stay in the future, and in the end you have to take care of yourself and your family.

“I love Cardiff, I don’t want to move anywhere else at the moment so we’ll see what happens. Hopefully I’ll have more clarity soon.”