Mann back for injury-hit Cardiff at Benetton

Alex Mann started all five games for Wales in the 2026 Six Nations [Huw Evans Picture Agency] Wales flanker Alex Mann returns for injury-hit Cardiff at Benetton in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup on Saturday (17:30 BST). The 24-year-old makes his first club appearance since impressing in the Six Nations but the Blue and Blacks are stretched after a tour to South Africa in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Cardiff, whose priority is a play-off push in the URC, give first starts to lock Evan Rees and centre Elijah Evans.

Former Leinster loose-head prop Ed Byrne is in the starting line-up in his first appearance of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury. Wales hooker Evan Lloyd, fresh from signing a new contract , is on the bench as back-row cover after playing there in age-grade rugby. Wales great Faletau to miss rest of Cardiff's season Can Cardiff deal with Benetton's Fijian 'machine'?

Cardiff lost nine more players to injury in South Africa, when they lost heavily to Bulls and claimed a losing bonus point against Sharks. A planned return for wing Josh Adams is shelved due to a niggle, while five senior locks are out injured. Cardiff are hopeful that second-row forwards Josh McNally and George Nott will be fit to feature in the URC run-in, Wales lock Teddy Williams is getting closer to a return from a dislocated foot and there is the possibility of a short-term loan signing.

However, for this week Rory Thornton is the only specialist - with academy prospect Rees, a back-row forward by trade, his partner. The Blue and Blacks face a tough test against a Benetton side who have made Europe a priority but captain Liam Belcher is relishing the challenge. "We took a bit of a battering out in South Africa in terms of injuries but we are here to win games and kick on," said the hooker.