Beno Obano agrees to join Pau after the upcoming season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 10:46 PM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
Beno Obano will depart Bath to join French Top 14 side Pau at the conclusion of the upcoming season. The 31-year-old loose-head prop, who earned his fifth England cap in a July defeat to South Africa, intends to continue his career in France. Head coach Steve Borthwick typically selects from a domestic-based talent pool, raising questions regarding Obano’s future eligibility for the national squad. Despite this constraint, Obano is not currently signed to a central contract, leaving him available for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. His move adds to an existing trend of English players moving abroad, joining others such as Jack Willis and Kyle Sinckler in the French league. Bath faces front-row changes following the departure of Thomas du Toit and the recent arrival of Jamie Bhatti.
- •Beno Obano will transfer to French club Pau from Bath after the forthcoming season.
- •The 31-year-old loose-head prop has earned five caps for England.
- •England head coach Steve Borthwick primarily selects players based within the domestic league.
- •Obano remains available for the 2027 Rugby World Cup as he lacks a central contract.
- •Bath recently added Scotland international Jamie Bhatti to their front-row roster.
- 10:46 PMYahoo Sports — Obano to put England career on hold with Pau move
- 10:46 PMBBC Sport — Obano to put England career on hold with Pau move
"Beno Obano will become the latest England player to put his Test career on ice after agreeing to join French side Pau at the end of the forthcoming season.
"Beno Obano will become the latest England player to put his Test career on ice after agreeing to join French side Pau at the end of the forthcoming season.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 10:46 PMObano to put England career on hold with Pau move
Beno Obano will become the latest England player to put his Test career on ice after agreeing to join French side Pau at the end of the forthcoming season.
- BBC SportSep 3, 2026, 10:46 PMObano to put England career on hold with Pau move
Beno Obano will become the latest England player to put his Test career on ice after agreeing to join French side Pau at the end of the forthcoming season.
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