Gloucester have landed a major signing for next season, securing Glasgow Warriors No 8 Jack Mann on a three-year deal, according to The Telegraph.
Mann, 25, was recently called into Gregor Townsend’s Six Nations squad as an uncapped option after impressing in Jack Dempsey’s absence.
The former Scotland U20 star initially broke through with Edinburgh before joining Glasgow in 2022, but his journey has been anything but smooth.
The powerful ball-carrier made his Warriors debut against Bath in December 2022 but endured a nightmare run with injuries, only returning to action last November against Scarlets.
Speaking on the Scotland Rugby Podcast, Mann opened up about his struggles: “Being out for so long, you start to have those thoughts—will I get back to my old standard? Can I exceed it? And then you start wondering if you even want to keep playing rugby. There were definitely some dark times.”
His move to Kingsholm comes at a time of transition for Gloucester’s back row. England international Zach Mercer is heading to Toulon at the end of the season, having been overlooked by Steve Borthwick despite being eligible for the Six Nations.
Meanwhile, Ruan Ackermann’s future remains uncertain, leaving Gloucester in need of reinforcements.
Mann’s arrival adds much-needed depth as the Cherry and Whites push for long-term success.
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Jonny Wilkinson didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent
England legend Jonny Wilkinson went head-to-head with some of the greatest rugby players of all time, but who did he find the toughest to play against?
The 2003 World Cup hero, who earned 97 caps for England and the British & Irish Lions between 1998 and 2011, has revealed the five players he most “hated” facing during his career.
#5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu’s one of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives while playing for the All Blacks was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.
WILKINSON SAID: “One of the most recognisable characters in World Rugby and a man who sparked fear in the eyes of opposition defences. The guy is quite a remarkable rugby legend and deserves to be so. No list would be complete without him.”
DID YOU KNOW? Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 World Cup and added a further eight in 1999
#4. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Holds the Six Nations record for most tries with 26 and was chosen Player of the Tournament in the 2006, 2007 and 2009, leading Ireland to one Grand Slam and three Triple Crowns. Europe’s finest.
WILKINSON SAID: “The ability to change the game in a second, a heartbeat, with his movement, with his skill, his game reading but also his leadership.”
DID YOU KNOW? O’Driscoll is the all-time Irish try scorer and has led his country more times than any other player
#3. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
WILKINSON SAID: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.
DID YOU KNOW? Botha is regularly listed in ‘greatest ever’ sides and coach Bernard Laporte said he was the greatest player he ever coached
