Scotland hopeful Jack Mann determined to make up for lost time as Glasgow face Munster

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For Jack Mann, the wait for his first Scotland cap goes on. But after enduring a grueling journey back to full fitness, the Glasgow Warriors number eight is simply enjoying every moment on the pitch.

Mann, 25, earned his maiden call-up to the Scotland squad for the recent Six Nations campaign but did not feature in any of the matches. Now, his focus shifts back to club rugby as Glasgow prepare to host Munster Rugby in a crucial BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) clash on Friday night.

Mann's gratitude for each game is evident, particularly given the setbacks that kept him sidelined for two years. Since making an impressive Glasgow debut in a Challenge Cup victory over Bath in December 2022, the Midlothian native has endured a lengthy spell out of action due to concussion and a subsequent broken ankle.

"The concussion was more precautionary and sort of to do with the protocols," Mann explained. "I'd had three within a year, so I had a three-month stand down, but if I got another one then it would have been six months. So they stood me down for a year, just to let my head reset, I guess you would say.

"But then I came back from that and, two weeks later, I broke my ankle. It was tough. There were definitely some dark times along the way. There was a lot of stress. Being out for so long, you start to have those thoughts about will I, won't I be able to get back to the standard I was at before and then having to try and exceed that standard – never mind having thoughts about if I actually want to keep playing rugby and stuff like that.

"It felt like I almost put more pressure on myself. I was very lucky that I had a great support network around me. We have got a good group of boys at Glasgow and I am very close to my family. So they helped me through that time."

Mann finally made his long-awaited return in November, featuring in Glasgow's URC match against Scarlets at Scotstoun, his first appearance in nearly two years.

"It was a pretty enormous relief to come back," he admitted. "I feel like my career has been delayed due to injuries. So I do feel I've got a little bit of catching up to do in that regard. But I am only 25, so I still have plenty of time.

"I am just relishing being back after having two years out. Every opportunity I get to go out on the pitch feels really important to me, and I am enjoying my rugby."

Mann's impact was quickly felt upon his return, with his powerful ball-carrying and athleticism earning him a spot in Gregor Townsend's Scotland squad for the Six Nations.

"I was obviously buzzing to be named in the squad," he said. "I was pretty fortunate that I knew a lot of the boys from my time at Edinburgh and now Glasgow. It made it very easy going into camp.

"Look, everyone wants to play for their country, but it's a tough back row to break into. I just really enjoyed being in camp and getting my head around everything. It was an awesome experience."

During the Championship, Mann was released from the Scotland squad to feature in the URC for Glasgow, where he produced a Player of the Match display in the win over Dragons RFC, scoring a try in the process. However, he suffered another concussion against Ospreys, ruling him out of Scotland's clash with Wales. Despite this setback, he rejoined the squad ahead of the final game against France in Paris.

Now, Mann is back in Warriors colors and preparing for a high-stakes URC encounter against Munster at Scotstoun this weekend. With Glasgow pushing to solidify their place among the league's top contenders, Mann's resurgence could prove crucial in their URC title defense. While his first Scotland cap remains elusive for now, the back-rower is determined to make every game count as he continues his comeback journey.

Quotes provided by URC Media

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