By David Williams
Cardiff have confirmed the signing of Wales outside half Callum Sheedy on a long-term deal that will begin at the start of next season.
✍️ Sheedy signs
That's right, Callum Sheedy is heading home to Cardiff after an incredible 10 seasons with @BristolBears
🔗 https://t.co/HlYuzWQaEv#AlwaysCardiff pic.twitter.com/IEmGBiFatj
— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) January 30, 2024
The 28-year-old will be returning to the city in which he was born and raised after opting to end his 10-year association with Bristol Bears. He won his first representative honours for Cardiff Schools U15 and Cardiff South U16.
“I’m massively looking forward to it. I’m Cardiff born and bred and grew up here until I was 16. This is my home and I’m really looking forward to getting out there and pulling on that Cardiff jersey,” said Sheedy.
“Obviously, I’m very grateful to Bristol. I feel like an adopted Bristolian and the club has been a massive part of my life and it will always have a huge place in my heart.
“But naturally when you’ve been somewhere for 10 years change is healthy. Coming back to where I’m from, my home town, is something that really excited me when I knew it was possible. In my head I always felt like I would play for Cardiff, I just didn’t know when.
“It’s going to be an incredible opportunity for me. I love the way Matt Sherratt sees the game and I like to think we see it on a similar level. He taught me so much when I was a youngster at Bristol, so I’m really looking forward to working under him again.
“Being part of a long-term project here is also something that really excites me. You only have to look at the Wales squad to see the amount of young Cardiff boys coming through – it’s awesome for the city and it’s awesome for the club.
“I’ve watched some of the games this year and the talent out there is awesome and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in. Watching the Bath and Harlequins games, the atmosphere was electric, I was getting goosebumps just watching on TV.
“I’m looking forward to coming back but my immediate focus remains with Bristol. There’s six more games, which we will really attack and hopefully have a big push towards that top four.”
Capped for Wales at U16 level, he went on to play for Ireland U19 and an England XV before finally pledging his international future to Wales. He currently has 16 caps.
'Callum's contribution has been phenomenal.' 💙
Pat Lam hails Callum Sheedy's impact on and off the field ahead of his move to Cardiff at the end of the 2023/24 season 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/uZJAPmyytc
— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) January 30, 2024