Another England international set to quit for big-money move

At 31, Obano faces an important decision over his future. With his current deal nearing its conclusion, the experienced prop may be approaching one of his final opportunities to secure a lucrative contract.

RugbyPass report that Obano's name has been discussed in France for several months, with Bordeaux-Begles already holding talks with the England international.

According to the report, face-to-face discussions took place in Bordeaux last week. Obano is said to have caught the attention of the French champions during Bath's Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Bordeaux last season.

The cousin of Maro Itoje, Obano has won five England caps. He returned to international action this summer when he appeared from the bench against the Springboks, his first Test appearance since 2024.

His name has been around the England set-up for some time, having first been called into a Six Nations training squad in December 2017. Since then, he has remained on the fringes of the international picture without ever managing to establish himself as a regular at Test level.

A move to Bordeaux would see him join another England international in Tom Willis. The former Saracens back-row confirmed last year that he would be heading to France and completed his move this summer.

Willis left England after being named PREM Rugby Player of the Season, with his departure prompting renewed debate around the RFU's policy on selecting players based outside English domestic rugby.

Should Obano follow him to France, he would also effectively put his England career on hold under the current rules. That would remove another experienced option from Steve Borthwick's pool of available props.

While his potential departure would not carry quite the same significance as Willis' move, losing Obano could still create a depth issue for England as preparations continue for the 2027 World Cup.