Obano’s Exit: The Latest Chapter in England’s Eccentric Elite Player Policy

Beno Obano’s decision to join Pau from Bath at the end of the season is the latest instance of an English player opting for a lucrative move abroad, further blurring the lines between club and country. This trend has been playing out for years, with Tom Willis being effectively exiled from the England squad after announcing his intention to join Bordeaux-Begles in 2026-27.

The Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) reliance on a domestic-based talent pool is curious, given England’s relative depth at loose-head prop. With youngsters like Fin Baxter and Bevan Rodd waiting in the wings, one might expect coach Steve Borthwick to focus on developing these talents rather than allowing established players like Obano to leave for France. The implication is that the RFU views its elite players as commodities to be bought and sold rather than assets to be nurtured.

This decision has precedent in recent history. David Ribbans and Joe Marchant were allowed to join France for the 2023 World Cup, only to return to England thereafter. It suggests that if you’re good enough to represent England but not good enough to stay with us beyond a certain point, we’ll let you go – but don’t expect to be forgotten entirely.

The trend of English players heading abroad has been ongoing for years, driven by the financial realities faced by clubs in England. While the RFU touts its central contracts as a way to keep talent at home, it’s clear that these arrangements only go so far. When push comes to shove, even players like Obano – who have impressed on the international stage – are deemed disposable.

This policy raises questions about what constitutes “English” talent in the eyes of the RFU. If players can be allowed to join French clubs and still represent England at the World Cup, it’s unclear whether this is a sustainable model for English rugby. The boundaries between club and country are becoming increasingly blurred, and it’s difficult to see how this will ultimately benefit England.

Obano’s departure will undoubtedly cause more upheaval in Bath’s front row, following Thomas du Toit’s high-profile move to the Sharks last season. However, beyond the immediate impact on the team, his decision serves as a reminder of the larger issues at play here – and the need for the RFU to reassess its approach to elite player management.

As England prepares for the 2027 World Cup, it’s worth asking whether this policy will ultimately prove detrimental to their chances. The loss of players like Obano may not be immediately felt on the pitch, but it sends a message to potential recruits that playing for England is only one part of the equation – and not necessarily the most lucrative or attractive option.

In the end, Obano’s move to Pau represents just another chapter in this ongoing saga. Whether this trend will continue, or whether the RFU will eventually find a way to stem the tide of English players heading abroad, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: for Beno Obano and countless others like him, playing for England has become a secondary consideration – and one that can be set aside in favor of more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.