Beno Obano: Bath prop playing his ‘best rugby’ despite England omission

The red card all but scuppered Obano’s chances of being included in England’s squad for the tour of Japan and New Zealand in June and July.

His last England cap came during the 2023 Six Nations, although he was called up to a training squad before the tournament this February.

Long-term injuries in 2018 and 2021 have also previously come at times when he was on the cusp of breaking into the national team.

Speaking the day before England’s squad was announced, Obano said he had spoken to England boss Steve Borthwick recently and that he did not “‘envy” the head coach’s position in having to choose the squad.

“I can’t control those decisions; whether I agree with them or not it’s not important,” Obano said.

“What I can control is my attitude towards training here [at Bath] and towards playing here and helping and contributing to the team, and that’s really what I try and put my focus on.

“There’s so many things he’s got to balance when he’s selecting a team, regarding opposition, regarding the other people in my position. All those aspects and leadership roles.

“There’s just a lot to balance – it’s not as simple as what you do on a Saturday, you play well enough therefore you get picked.”