Beno Obano will become the latest England player to pause his international Test career by moving to French club Pau at the end of the current season.
The 31-year-old loose-head prop, who earned his fifth cap against South Africa in July, currently plays for Bath. His decision to move to the Top 14 side means he joins a growing contingent of England players plying their trade outside of England.
England head coach Steve Borthwick operates with a policy that restricts selection to players based within the domestic leagues. This policy is a key element of the agreement between Premiership clubs and the Rugby Football Union concerning elite player management.
Despite the move, it is unlikely England will rule out Obano's selection for the upcoming season, a situation different from that of Tom Willis. Willis was excluded from the squad in October after announcing a move to Bordeaux-Begles for the 2026-27 season, even after starting three matches in the 2025 Six Nations and being awarded a central contract. Borthwick's decision for Willis was reportedly to prioritize players available for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Obano, who is not currently on a central contract, will remain eligible for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This mirrors the situations of David Ribbans and Joe Marchant, who were available for the 2023 tournament after agreeing to moves to France for the subsequent season.
Obano's departure from Bath will add to the club's front-row adjustments, following the exit of Thomas du Toit to the Durban-based Sharks and the arrival of Scottish international Jamie Bhatti this summer.
England has a number of players currently playing in France, including Jack Willis, Kyle Sinckler, Billy Vunipola, Manu Tuilagi, Lewis Ludlam, and Sam Simmonds, who are outside the eligibility criteria for the national team due to their club affiliations.