Bristol legend Callum Sheedy has announced today that he will be leaving Bristol at the end of the season after a decade spent at the west-country club. The 28-year-old will be taking his talents back to the city that he was born in, as he joins boyhood side Cardiff Blues for the first time in his career.
"After 10 incredible years with the club, I have decided to take a new step in my career and join my hometown club, Cardiff Rugby at the end of the season", Sheedy said.
"If life has taught me one thing over the past 18 months, it is that family comes first, and this is a move which feels like it's the right time for me in my career and life.
The 16-cap Wales international has been battling it out for the number ten shirt at Bristol with AJ MacGinty over the past couple of seasons, with the Welshman unable to cement a permanent spot in the starting team. The move to Cardiff will hopefully open up more playing opportunities for the playmaker and potentially allow him more limelight for an international recall.
"When I signed for Bristol at 18 years old, never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I would be privileged enough to play 164 times and score over 1000 competitive points for the club - but more importantly to be a part of two promotions, winning the Challenge Cup and topping the Premiership after the regular season.
"I will always be so grateful to Pat for continuing to support me over the years and giving me the opportunity to live my dream. To the Lansdown family and Chris Booy, you have always been absolutely incredible, not only for me personally, but for this great club through thick and thin.
"To you guys, the Bristol fans - you made me feel like one of your own from day one and I have always appreciated the incredible love and support you have shown me. Running out at Ashton Gate is an incredible feeling that I can't describe and one l will cherish forever. You are the most passionate, loyal supporters and I will miss you enormously.
"Finally, Bristol Bears as a rugby club and as a city will ALWAYS have a huge place in my heart and I look forward to having a cider with you all as a supporter at Ashton Gate in the future."
Speaking about his new cub, Sheedy added: “I’m massively looking forward to it. I am 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.
“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 part of 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.
“Just thinking about it now, I get that feeling in my stomach, that excitement and those nerves. It’s going to be an incredible opportunity for me."
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt is excited about the leadership qualites that Sheedy can bring to the Welsh side: “Callum is someone I know well from my time at Bristol - he is a top quality player and importantly a top quality person. He will add on the pitch and also be a great role model to assist with our young players’ growth.
“He has flourished at Bristol, leading them back to the Premiership back in 2014-15, and then becoming an integral part of their environment and rugby program.
“His success within a good program at Bristol and the fact he is a Cardiff boy are two huge reasons I believe he’s a great fit for us. With Tinus De Beer, who has been excellent for us this season, we now have two great options at fly half.
“We have a long-term vision for the club and it is great that Callum will be part of that moving forward. We have prioritised keeping our young talent but we are also keen to add quality experience from outside and Callum is an example of that, albeit with previous links to the club.”
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