Cardiff disappointed but proud as season ends

Cardiff disappointed but proud as season endsImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Cardiff have qualified for next season's European Champions Cup ByGareth GriffithsBBC Sport WalesPublished2 minutes agoCommentsDisappointment but pride.That seemed to be the vibe from Cardiff players and coaches after their season ended with a 44-21 United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off quarter-final defeat against Stormers in Cape Town.It also brought down the curtain on the Welsh domestic season after Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons failed to make the top eight, with Cardiff finishing sixth in the regular season.With financial constraints and off-the-field issues plaguing the Welsh sides again, making the top half of the league and reaching a historic first play-off was significant progress for the Arms Park side."We're disappointed with the result, but throughout the season we've been great," said Cardiff and Wales wing Josh Adams."It's been successful. We knew at the start of the season that we wanted to finish in the top eight, that was our target."We finished sixth and were in the top eight for the whole season."Summer recess for Welsh trio as testing season ends Published17 MayHow Cardiff made next step to URC play-offsPublished17 MayOvercoming Sherratt loss and enjoying home comfortsCardiff lost head coach Matt Sherratt to Steve Tandy's backroom staff just a few days before the season started, with forwards boss Corniel van Zyl making the step up to replace him."We're proud of the boys from where we started the season into how we finished," said van Zyl."To end up sixth, with 16 quality teams, I say would make us proud. Unfortunately we couldn't push on to the next step and that's the disappointing part."Van Zyl guided Cardiff to 11 league victories, with eight of those coming at their Arms Park home. With only one URC win achieved outside of Wales this season, securing an unli...