Bath Rugby are reportedly confronting a significant challenge in their efforts to retain Beno Obano, the club’s first-choice loosehead prop and England international.
The squad’s resources in the loosehead position have been notably depleted over the summer. Both Thomas du Toit, a world-class player primarily known as a tighthead specialist but versatile on both sides of the scrum, and Francois van Wyk, his South African colleague, have departed. Du Toit has joined The Sharks, while van Wyk has signed with Connacht Rugby.
In response, Bath have made two notable signings this summer: Scottish international loosehead Jamie Bhatti and number eight Dan du Preez. However, the significance of Obano’s role in the team has only increased in light of these departures.
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Behind Obano and Bhatti, Bath are relying on emerging talents such as 22-year-old Scott Kirk and 21-year-old Welshman Ioan Emanuel. Both remain relatively inexperienced at the elite level.
According to RugbyPass, Obano, aged 31, has engaged in direct talks with reigning European Champions Cup holders Bordeaux-Begles regarding a potential transfer to the Top 14 ahead of the 2027/28 season, when his current contract at the Rec expires.
Obano, who joined Bath from Wasps in 2015, has become a dynamic presence in the Gallagher Premiership over the past decade. He has made nearly 200 appearances for the club and earned five senior caps for England. His most recent international appearance was in England’s 45-21 defeat to South Africa during this summer’s Nations Championship at Ellis Park.
RugbyPass reports that Bordeaux-Begles are actively assessing loosehead options as Jefferson Poirot and Matis Perchaud are expected to be out of contract at the end of this season.
Bath’s new head of recruitment, Bryn Cunningham, who succeeded Rob Burgess in the spring (Burgess departed to join Gloucester Rugby), faces a challenging task. He must strive to maintain Johann van Graan’s impressive squad amid rising player valuations, sustained performance success, and the financial implications of players on substantial long-term contracts requiring significant future pay rises.