But as the summer wore on, he saw another name creep into contention for the most coveted jersey in Welsh rugby – Ben Thomas.
Thomas filled the position for Warren Gatland in the two Tests on tour in Australia and gave a very good account of himself. He is someone Sheedy admits to knowing for a long time.
“I was a prefect at Corpus Christi in Cardiff when Ben was coming through a few years below me. I was in Year 11 and he was Year 7,” recalled Sheedy.
“He used to throw rubbers at my head and I still haven’t forgiven him for that. I’ll definitely be coming for him.
“He’s a great player who I have watched since he was six or seven years old. I‘ve always known how good he is and it’s nice to be with him in the Cardiff squad.
“When you look at the squad, we are two or three deep in every position and that will bring the kind of competition we need for places. That is very healthy.”
Sheedy left Cardiff to go to Millfield School after winning Wales U16 honours and was then courted by both Ireland, who he represented at U19 level, and England, who he played for against the Barbarians at Twickenham, before he settled on the land of his birth. He won the first of his 19 caps to date in 2020.
Returning to the international fold is definitely in his thinking, but not until he has established himself back at a ground and club he knows so well, despite playing more than 150 games over the past decade on the other side of the Severn Bridge.
“I remember coming to the Arms Park when I was really young with my dad. It’s special being back and training here every day,” said Sheedy.
“The last time I played in Blue & Black was for the Blue South U16 side in a cup final against the Ospreys. We lost and I haven’t forgiven them for that.
“The experience of 10 years in the Bristol environment was very special and I think I improved as a player and a person. I think I’ve come back a better player.
“But first and foremost, I’ve got to compete for the jersey. Tinus was outstanding throughout last season and was so consistent – I hope the competition between us will bring out the best in us both.
“There were several games that were lost last season by seven points or less, which was frustrating. But we hope that with a full season under the belts of so many young lads, and the addition of a few experienced players, can see us turn that narrow losses into wins and help us climb the table.”
