Key Points
- Wales flanker Alex Mann returns for Cardiff Rugby in the EPCR Challenge Cup last-16 clash against Benetton at Stadio di Monigo on Saturday, April 4, 2026 (17:30 BST / 18:30 local).
- The 24-year-old Mann makes his first club appearance since impressing in the Six Nations.
- Cardiff are severely stretched due to injuries from their recent United Rugby Championship (URC) tour to South Africa, where they suffered nine additional injuries during a heavy defeat to the Bulls and a close match against Hollywoodbets Sharks.
- First senior competitive starts for lock Evan Rees and centre Elijah Evans.
- Former Leinster loose-head prop Ed Byrne starts in his first appearance of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury.
- Wales hooker Evan Lloyd, fresh from signing a new contract with Cardiff, is on the bench as back-row cover, having played there in age-grade rugby.
- Cardiff’s starting XV: Ioan Lloyd; Mason Grady, Elijah Evans, Ben Thomas, Jacob Beetham; Callum Sheedy, Ellis Bevan; Ed Byrne, Liam Belcher (captain), Keiron Assiratti, Evan Rees, Rory Thornton, Alex Mann, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence.
- Replacements: Daf Hughes, Rhys Barratt, Sam Wainwright, Lucas de la Rua, Evan Lloyd, Ieuan Davies, Rory Jennings, Cam Winnett.
- Cardiff missing five key locks, with Rory Thornton as the sole specialist lock; academy talent Evan Rees typically plays back-row.
- Winger Josh Adams’ anticipated return postponed due to minor injury.
- Optimism for returns of Josh McNally and George Nott for upcoming URC games; Teddy Williams recovering from dislocated foot; potential short-term loan.
- Cardiff’s URC priority is a play-off push.
- Assistant coach Corniel van Zyl highlights squad rotation due to injuries and the challenge of knockout rugby against a strong Benetton side at home.
- If victorious, Cardiff face Exeter Chiefs or Munster away next weekend.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) April 3, 2026 – Wales international Alex Mann returns to the Cardiff Rugby starting lineup for their crucial EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 match against Benetton in Treviso, as the injury-ravaged Blue and Blacks aim to keep their European hopes alive despite a depleted squad following a gruelling South Africa tour.
Who is Returning to Boost Cardiff’s Back-Row?
Alex Mann, the 24-year-old Wales flanker, makes his first club appearance since shining in the Six Nations, bolstering Cardiff’s back-row alongside Dan Thomas and Alun Lawrence. As reported by BBC Sport, Mann’s return comes at a vital time for the injury-hit side facing Benetton in the last 16 on Saturday at 17:30 BST. The official Cardiff Rugby announcement confirms the seven changes to the side that nearly upset Hollywoodbets Sharks, with Mann slotting in to provide international experience.
Former Leinster loose-head prop Ed Byrne also features prominently, starting in the front-row for his first outing this season after overcoming a hamstring injury. Byrne joins captain Liam Belcher and Keiron Assiratti in the pack, bringing his Leinster pedigree—where he earned over 100 caps—to the Arms Park outfit.
Why Are Cardiff So Injury-Hit?
Cardiff’s squad depth has been tested severely after their URC tour to South Africa, where they picked up nine new injuries in a heavy loss to the Bulls, though they fought hard against the Sharks for a losing bonus point. The team is without five senior locks, leaving Rory Thornton as the only specialist in that position, paired with back-row convert Evan Rees. As noted in BBC Sport coverage, winger Josh Adams’ return has been delayed by a minor injury, while Teddy Williams progresses from a dislocated foot, and there is hope for Josh McNally and George Nott ahead of URC fixtures, with a possible short-term loan in play.
This comes amid Cardiff’s primary focus on securing a URC play-off spot, making the Challenge Cup a secondary but opportunistic challenge.
Who Gets First Starts for the Blue and Blacks?
Lock Evan Rees earns his first senior competitive start, stepping into the second-row alongside Thornton despite his usual back-row role. Centre Elijah Evans, a 19-year-old prospect from Pentyrch RFC via Cardiff & Vale College and Cardiff Met, also debuts at senior level, partnering Ben Thomas in the midfield. Cardiff Rugby Life has highlighted Evans’ strike-running ability, long strides, sharp lines, and wicked step, marking him as a promising outside centre.
The backline sees Ioan Lloyd at full-back, with wings Mason Grady and Jacob Beetham, fly-half Callum Sheedy, and scrum-half Ellis Bevan.
What Role Does Evan Lloyd Play on the Bench?
Wales hooker Evan Lloyd, who recently signed a new contract with Cardiff, provides versatile cover from the bench. As reported by BBC Sport’s rugby union team, Lloyd—hailing from Penarth with 39 appearances and eight Wales caps since his 2024 Six Nations debut—joins fellow internationals Alex Mann and James Botham in committing to the club. The 24-year-old, who transitioned to the front-row after age-grade back-row stints, is part of a traditional 5-3 bench split including Daf Hughes, Rhys Barratt, Sam Wainwright, Lucas de la Rua, Ieuan Davies, Rory Jennings, and Cam Winnett.
What Does the Coaching Team Say?
Assistant coach Corniel van Zyl, speaking to Cardiff Rugby’s official channels, explained the selections:
“We’ve had to change the team up a bit due to injuries and the need to rotate a little bit. This time of year always tests and stretches your squad but that just gives opportunities to others, and we have still been able to select a strong team to go out to Italy and compete.”
Van Zyl added:
“The boys are looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to do something in knockout rugby. It’s a great competition, where the club has a lot of history, and we will be giving it everything we’ve got. Our recent matches with Benetton have been very close but we are acutely aware of how dangerous they can be at home. They have quality all over the pitch so we will need to fight for everything and put as much of our game on the pitch as possible.”
Captain Liam Belcher echoed the optimism, with BBC Sport reporting his eagerness for the contest despite the challenges.
How Does Benetton Pose a Threat?
Benetton, prioritising European competition, present a formidable home challenge at Stadio di Monigo. Recent URC encounters have been tight; Cardiff secured a nervy 17-8 home win in January 2026, climbing to fourth despite playing with 14 men at times, as covered by BBC Sport. In that match, Mann was penalised, but Lloyd’s late penalty sealed it, denying Benetton a bonus point; a Mendy try was ruled out for a forward pass. RugbyPass notes Cardiff top the URC table ahead of Benetton in fourth, predicting a close Round of 16.
AOL.com’s preview aligns with the team news, emphasising Mann’s return amid Cardiff’s woes.
What Happens if Cardiff Win?
A victory propels Cardiff to an away quarter-final against either Exeter Chiefs or Munster next weekend. The club draws on its rich Challenge Cup history, with Van Zyl stressing the knockout allure.
