Beno Obano to Join Pau, Pausing England Test Career

Beno Obano will leave Bath to join French Top 14 side Pau at the end of the upcoming season, effectively pausing his Test career with England.

The 31-year-old loose-head prop, who recently earned his fifth cap in a match against South Africa, has been a backup to first-choice Ellis Genge. England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, is limited to selecting players from domestic clubs due to the relationship between Premiership teams and the Rugby Football Union.

England has a strong pool of loose-head props, including younger players like Fin Baxter and Emmanuel Iyogun, which may impact Obano's chances of selection. Although he is not on a central contract, he remains eligible for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, similar to other players who have moved to France. His departure adds to Bath's front-row challenges, following the exit of Thomas du Toit and the arrival of Jamie Bhatti.