Mann was involved in a high profile flare up with the Springboks legend during the Quilter Nations Cup clash in Cardiff in November, but is just happy the gouging controversy is well and truly behind him.
The graphic images of a clearly enraged Etzebeth clawing at the eyes of Mann in the dying minutes of the game sent the wrong kind of images flashing around the rugby world and ultimately ended in the Springbok giant receiving a 12 match ban.
For the then 21-year-old Mann, winning only his 11th cap to Etzebeth’s 141, it was a taste of the wild side of rugby, but the boy from Aberdare wasn’t going to back down – even when the social media trolls started to unearth alleged footage of him gouging the South African.
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“It was just a bit of handbags and everyone could see what happened. It’s in the past now,” says Mann ahead of this weekend’s Cardiff clash against Racing 92 in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
“It was pretty mad and I think I was getting sent clips of the incident every 30 seconds – it was constant.
“But I didn’t really think about it, I just got on with doing my stuff.”
World Rugby were quick to dismiss any wrongdoing by the rising Wales star and the only negative for the Cardiff flanker was the way in which some people tried to besmirch his reputation.
“It was frustrating because it wasn’t the truth - I knew the truth and it was clear for all to see.
There’s not much more I can say about that,” adds Mann.
“At the end of the day, rugby is 30 men going out there to hurt each other, although not in a malicious way. It’s a contact sport and you understand what it is.
“You can take it over the edge at times, that’s natural because we are all human, but it’s just about learning from those experiences.”
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Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl believes Mann is developing into a key player for both club and country and describes him as “one of the most coachable players I’ve worked with.”
“His intent and detail really are next level. He’s very emotional as well, but he will get better at controlling his emotions,” said Van Zyl.
“He can play with the No. 6 or No. 7 on his back, although the way he has played for us as a No. 6 makes me feel that is his best position.”
As for Mann himself, he doesn’t mind which number he has on his jersey just as long as he gets to play.
Two years ago he made his Wales debut in the Six Nations and scored tries against Scotland on his debut in Cardiff and then another against England at Twickenham.
With the 2026 Six Nations starting next month, Mann is likely to be one of the first names on Steve Tandy’s Wales’ squad list, having played in all four games in the autumn.
Wales kick off against the World Rugby third-ranked side, England, at the Allianz Twickenham Stadium.
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“Back in 2024, I was much younger, it was my first year of senior rugby and I was playing in the biggest tournament in the world.
“I took loads from that and that’s why I was pleased with the autumn series because I felt I played decently,” said Mann.
“I feel much better physically and I feel I can have more of an effect on games now. I’ve got to keep working on that so I can keep helping out my teammates.
“Going back to Twickenham to play against England would be great, but I don’t think that far ahead.
I just think about how good I can be on Saturday and if I get that opportunity then that’s great.”
But both Cardiff and Wales face the prospect of being without Taulupe Faletau for a significant spell.
Faletau is expected to be sidelined for the opening stages of the Six Nations after picking up a calf injury while on duty for Cardiff.
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The 35-year-old has only just made his comeback from a serious knee problem that ruled him out of the autumn internationals in November 2025, making the latest setback another frustrating chapter in a stop-start season for the vastly experienced number eight.
Faletau featured prominently for the Blue and Blacks over the festive period, appearing in all three United Rugby Championship derby fixtures and crossing the whitewash in the New Year’s Day loss to the Ospreys.
However, that run of games appears to have taken its toll, with the injury now set to keep him out of action for several weeks.
As a result, Faletau will miss Cardiff’s final two Challenge Cup pool matches against Racing 92 and Exeter Chiefs, as well as upcoming URC clashes with Benetton and Ulster.
The injury also places his availability for the early rounds of the Six Nations in serious doubt.
Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl offered a cautious update on the situation, saying: "I think he might miss the start of it, but I'm pretty confident he will be available during the Six Nations for selection."
Faletau, who has amassed 109 caps for Wales, last represented his country in the opening Test defeat to Japan in July 2025.
Since then, injuries have limited his international involvement, and this latest issue threatens to delay his long-awaited return to the red jersey.
He is also approaching a crossroads in his club career, with his contract at Cardiff due to expire in the summer.
Complicating matters further, this is not the first time a calf issue has disrupted his campaign, having already missed the opening weeks of the season with a similar problem.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy is set to announce his Six Nations squad later this month.
