Cardiff 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 unlikely play-off victory in South Africa against a former tournament winner was always going to be a tough ask.
The squad landing just a few days before the fixture after a 6,000-mile flight to Cape Town added to their task.
Cardiff flanker Dan Thomas has been one of the shining lights this season and again impressed against Stormers.
The open-side did not want to accept defeat but acknowledged the steps made in the 2025-26 campaign.
“Everyone was happy with how the season went, we made the play-offs which was important for the club, but no-one remembers who loses in quarter-finals,” Thomas told S4C.
“Making the play-offs is important for the club.
“It’s an odd one, we’re happy with how the season has gone, but you want silverware. It is back to the drawing board now and we need to start again.”
Cardiff have signed Australian veteran prop Scott Sio next season, which they will hope shores up a scrum taken apart by Stormers.
“It is obvious, our set-piece needs to improve,” said Thomas.
“The Stormers were dominant and we didn’t cope. We knew it was coming and still couldn’t stop it.
“We know the hard work will start in pre-season.”