The 29-year-old has been in fine form this season, with a potential recall for Wales on the cardsCallum Sheedy with fans(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

Cardiff fly-half Callum Sheedy says his late father would be proud of him after he returned to the Welsh capital to play for his hometown club.

Sheedy’s father Philip passed away from bowel cancer in 2022, with his death a big factor in Sheedy deciding to join Cardiff from Bristol Bears ahead of last season. Philip used to take Sheedy to matches at the Arms Park when he was younger.

“I always wanted to play for Cardiff and I knew it was going to happen, but I just didn’t know when,” he told Planet Rugby. “It’s been very, very special to come back home.

“As soon as I knew there was a chance of joining, I was really keen to make it happen.

“The emotional part of coming back to my hometown was a big factor.”

He added: “I remember coming here with my dad when I was really young.

“We would go down the Arms Park every other week to watch the Blues, as they were at the time.

“You had guys like Nicky Robinson, Ben Blair, Paul Tito, and then Jonah Lomu for a season. They were good days.

“I know my dad would be looking down at me and be very proud of me putting on the Cardiff jersey. That was a massive part of me coming home.”

Sheedy’s admission comes with the fly-half is fine form for the club – admitting he’s the happiest he’s been on the pitch for years.

The 29-year-old has started the season strongly, setting up a number of tries as the Cardiff attack has continued to fire on all cylinders despite Matt Sherratt’s departure.

Last week, Sheedy admitted that he still lies in bed at night dreaming of a Wales return, three years on from the last of his 16 international caps.

The former Bristol man was a key figure in the 2021 Six Nations triumph under Wayne Pivac, but was out of favour when Warren Gatland returned. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.

But Sheedy, who has started the season well, is hoping his form and the appointment of Steve Tandy as head coach could be a turning point for him – with Tandy naming his squad next week.

“I still lie in bed and dream of wearing the Wales shirt again,” said Sheedy.

“Any player who doesn’t dream of playing for their country is probably in the wrong profession. But it’s never going to happen unless I put together some form for Cardiff.”

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