"I still lie in bed and dream of wearing the Wales shirt again" – Callum Sheedy targets international comeback

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

It’s now three years since Sheedy won the last of his 16 international caps, but the hope is unfaltering for the linchpin of the Arms Park. The 29-year-old has made an electric start to the new United Rugby Championship campaign, pulling the strings for Cardiff and earning the nickname ‘the assist king’ from winger Tom Bowen.

It’s easy to see why. Sheedy’s precision and vision have been on full display in recent weeks, with a string of inch-perfect cross-field kicks and deft passes setting up multiple tries — including three for Bowen himself. His mix of flair and maturity has given Cardiff a real spark in attack, with supporters calling it his best rugby since his breakthrough years.

“We have got a really good set of backs here, young, hungry, want to learn, want to get their hands on the ball,” Sheedy explained. “As a 10, when you have got that outside you, it helps massively. Playing with those boys just makes my life so easy because I’ve just got to listen to them and try and execute what they want. We are in a pretty good spot there.”

That chemistry was clear again in Cardiff’s 14-8 win over Connacht Rugby, when Sheedy’s clever dinked cross-kick allowed Bowen to score. He also produced a crucial try-saving intervention to deny Finn Treacy late on — a moment that proved decisive before Bowen sealed the result with a late interception try.

“I’ve had a full pre-season for the first time in about four years, which has been nice. I feel fit, I feel well,” Sheedy said. “I’m the happiest I’ve been on a rugby field for five years. I feel free. I enjoy coming to work every day, and I’m really excited about where we can go as a group.”

Sheedy says his game has evolved with experience, finding the balance between instinctive attacking play and game management.

“As you get older, you get a bit more pragmatic and learn how to manage a game,” he said. “I still like to play what I see. I don’t want to lose that kind of element to my game, that running threat, that kind of no fear attitude. If it’s on from deep, I still want to be able to pull the trigger. But, at the same time, you’ve got to have that game management as a 10.”

Born and raised in the capital, Sheedy came through the Cardiff system before moving to England at 16, where he spent a decade at Bristol Bears, making more than 160 appearances and repeatedly making the Gallagher Premiership play-offs. Sheedy's return home in 2023 was an emotional one, not least because of memories shared with his late father.

“I always wanted to play for Cardiff and I knew it was going to happen, but I just didn't know when,” he said. “It’s been very, very special to come back home. I remember coming here with my dad when I was really young… 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.”

With confidence high and Cardiff playing bold, attacking rugby, Sheedy will lead his side into Friday night’s URC Welsh derby at Rodney Parade. If his current form continues, a Wales recall could soon follow as the squad's for the Autumn Nations Series begin to take shape.