'This feels like home' - Cardiff's Sheedy

Callum Sheedy made his Wales debut in 2020

Wales international Callum Sheedy has labelled his return to home-city team Cardiff as a "surreal feeling".

The fly-half, who came through the club's pathway, had spent his entire professional career to date with Bristol Bears, scoring over 1,150 points in 178 appearances.

Sheedy was out of contract at the end of last season, presenting the chance to once again link up with Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt. The pair had previously worked together at Bristol from 2014-2016.

"It's quite a surreal feeling to train here everyday, I get weirdly nervous for training which never happens," Sheedy told BBC Sport Wales.

International 'dream'

"I remember coming here as a young kid with my dad - it's a really special feeling to be back here, it really does feel like home.

"The experience at Bristol was very special, to have 10 years there, it's a club that will always be close to my heart.

"I felt like it was the right time to move and as soon as I spoke to Matt Sherratt and found out there was a chance, I was really keen to make it happen."

However, the 28-year-old will have to compete with Tinus de Beer for the number 10 jersey.

The South African fly-half played in all 18 United Rugby Championship (URC) games for Cardiff last season.

"Tinus de Beer was outstanding last year, in all the games I watched him last year he was so consistent," said Sheedy.

"Competition is always good and it's healthy. You look across the squad, there's not one position where we aren't two or three deep, it's an encouraging sign for Cardiff."

Sheedy has won 16 Wales caps but has not featured in the squad since head coach Warren Gatland returned for a second stint in charge in 2022.

Cardiff-born Sheedy featured in Wayne Pivac's Wales side that won the 2021 Six Nations title, but players based outside Wales must have at least 25 caps to be available for selection by Gatland.

That means Sheedy needed to play for one of the four Welsh professional sides next season for a chance to continue his international career.

"Of course that's the dream, that's the end goal," said Sheedy.

"It wasn't in the front of my mind when I came back, I wanted to come back and play for Cardiff.

"At the same time I know if I play well for Cardiff then who knows what will happen."

The fly-half has also praised the opportunity to play in the URC, and feels Cardiff fans can expect a competitive season.

"It was another factor, obviously playing in the Prem for 10 years was amazing and I loved it, but to be able to experience a different league and different countries is great," said Sheedy.

"I'm really excited for it, I can't wait to get out to South Africa, Italy and Ireland. They're all places where I've never played. It's exciting.

"Last year we lost a lot of games by less than seven points, which was frustrating.

"Hopefully with another season under the young lad's belts and with a few new faces we can turn those losses into wins, be competitive and climb the table."

Liam Belcher (right) has made 82 appearances for Cardiff

Hooker Liam Belcher has been named Cardiff captain for the 2024-25 season, taking over from back row Josh Turnbull who retired at the end of the last campaign.

Sheedy is backing his new team-mate to excel in the role.

"I remember playing against Liam Belcher when I was younger, what a horrible young man to play against," added Sheedy.

"He's a brilliant player and a great leader who knows what it takes."

Cardiff are back in pre-season action at the Arms Park against Bath on Friday, 6 September (19:15 BST), with Sheedy set to make his debut off the bench.