UBB targets England prop Beno Obano for 2027

Bordeaux-Begles have identified England international Beno Obano as a potential addition for the 2027-28 season, as the Champions Cup holders prepare for possible changes at loosehead prop. The move would give UBB an experienced front-row option and could take the 31-year-old into his first club spell outside England.

Jefferson Poirot and Matis Perchaud are expected to share the position during the coming campaign, but both players are entering the final year of their contracts. They can therefore negotiate with other clubs for agreements starting in summer 2027, prompting Yannick Bru and the Bordeaux-Begles hierarchy to plan for a possible vacancy.

Obano has spent his entire professional career with Bath, making 189 appearances and scoring 26 tries. He started Bath’s Champions Cup semi-final against UBB last spring, a match Bordeaux-Begles won on their way to retaining the European title for a second consecutive season. The London-born prop has also won five England caps and appeared for England A against France in Vannes on June 19.

International selection could complicate the transfer, with Steve Borthwick potentially considering Obano for England’s plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia. The player has already visited Bordeaux to see UBB’s facilities, and a decision is expected soon on a move that would strengthen the club’s front row.