Cardiff MET Sign Leicester Lock Tom Manz on Loan
Cardiff MET have strengthened their second-row options by signing Leicester's Tom Manz on a season-long loan. The 6ft 8in lock, who featured 10 times for Tigers last season, will spend the 2026-27 campaign in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Why it Matters for Cardiff MET
Cardiff MET made the play-offs last season despite being stretched in the second row. After missing out on Wales international Christ Tshiunza to Sale, they have signed Tongan Semisi Paea and now 24-year-old Manz. "He is a big, physical player that will strengthen our squad, we are looking forward to what he can add to the mix," said Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl.
Cardiff play pre-season fixtures against Worcester and Exeter before kicking off their URC campaign at Scarlets on Saturday, 26 September (19:45 BST). League standing: 6th in Premier League, 6 pts, 2W-0D-1L from 3 games, recent form LWW. Goals this season: 8 scored, 2 conceded (+6 goal difference). Title race: 3 points behind leaders Llandudno. Next fixture: vs Penybont (at home, 2026-10-30) (3rd in the table).
