It’s been a crazy six months, says new Welsh star
ALEX Mann is the first to admit his “crazy” journey over the past six months hasn’t really sunk in yet.
Before this season, the Cardiff flanker hadn’t started a single game of regional rugby,
Now he’s an international, having figured in all five of Wales’ Six Nations matches, scoring two tries along the way.
The 22-year-old serial-tackling blindside admits he does have to pinch himself at times.
“It’s been pretty crazy, to be fair,” he said. “I played 12 semi-pro games last season and I am on something like 19 games of pro rugby this year, including internationals.
“But I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s been really good.
“I couldn’t have imagined it at the start of the season. It’s surpassed my wildest dreams. I am pinching myself really, it’s unbelievable. From where I’ve come from, it’s all a bit bewildering.
“I haven’t had time to think about it really. It hasn’t sunk in at all. It feels like a blur.
“I haven’t really thought back on it. I try and just look forward and focus on the next game, the next game, the next game because in rugby anything can happen.
“As long as I come off the pitch fit and healthy, that’s the main thing.
“I try not to take anything for granted and I’m not getting too ahead of myself.”
When asked, Mann picks out his try-scoring Test debut off the bench against Scotland at the Principality Stadium as the highlight amid his remarkable rise.
“The first cap was unbelievable because that’s what I had dreamed of,” said the Aberdare product.
“It’s what you work for all the dark days and all the good days. It was surreal.
“The stadium was crazy. I was soaking it all in. It was probably the best day in the world with friends and family in the stands.
“It’s everything you dream of as soon as you pick up a ball. I remember growing up, when Wales were winning Grand Slams, and going to bed thinking of the games and imagining being a part of them.
“When the season is done and dusted, I can look back and be proud of what I have done and then just set the next goal for what’s to come.
“I feel like I can get much better and that’s the exciting thing for me. The way I train and the way I conduct myself, the stuff off the field, is massive, trying to be as top a professional as you can because then you get the rewards out on the pitch.”
The 6ft 3ins, 16st 2lbs Mann, who spent three years on the books of Cardiff City football club as a youngster, has certainly put in a huge shift this season, so how is he holding up?
“I just feel like your mind can push through your body, so if my body is feeling tired I just try and tell my mind to tell my body I am all right!” he replies.