Cardiff sign Leicester lock Manz on loan

Cardiff 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).

Cardiff 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, who also has Teddy Williams, Josh McNally, George Nott and Rory Thornton as options.

Tigers say Manz, whose brother Josh is also on the club's books, will return to Welford Road for the 2027-28 season.

Head coach Geoff Parling said: "This is an opportunity for Manzy to go and both get game-time and push himself in another league."

"We know he'll fit in well at Cardiff and look forward to seeing his progression."

Cardiff play pre-season fixtures against Worcester and Exeter before kicking off their URC campaign at Scarlets on Saturday, 26 September (19:45 BST).