Bath prop Beno Obano believes he is producing some of the “best rugby” he has ever played – despite being overlooked in England’s squad for the autumn internationals.
Obano scored two tries during Bath’s 55-31 win against Gloucester at Kingsholm last weekend and has started all four of their Premiership matches so far this season.
The 29-year-old, who has been capped four times by England, is in his 11th campaign with the club and believes he has improved further since Johann van Graan took over in 2022.
“I think I’m playing some of the best rugby I’ve played and I think that’s down to people helping me in this place,” Obano told BBC Radio Bristol.
“I’ve become a mature adult under Johann, I think he’s had that influence on me.
“I don’t know if I’ve been the calmest person earlier in my career, particularly in training – I think Johann’s had a calming impact on me which has helped me focus, to be able to [get] on to my next job a little bit quicker.”
Obano was shown a red card for a high tackle 21 minutes into last season’s Premiership final at Twickenham in June, which 14-man Bath went on to narrowly lose by just four points to Northampton.
The front row said it felt like he was dealing with “grief” in the aftermath of that pivotal match but that the experience has made him stronger.
“I guess grief’s just one of those things… when other things happen, tough things happen, they’re just not as bad, so you’re able to deal with them a lot easier – you scar over, you build mental calluses, you become stronger as a result,” Obano said.
“I don’t think that’s the toughest thing that’s ever going to happen to me in my life.
“It wasn’t ideal and I was pretty miserable for a long time, but I’m good. We’ve got a new season, we’ve got new things to build to and stuff to try to win this year.”
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 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.”
