Obano ruled out of Six Nations as Bath seek cover for two England stars

England prop Ben Obano will miss the 2022 Guinness Six Nations and possibly the entire season after Bath confirmed that the prop has ruptured an ACL.

The club have also confirmed that they are seeking cover for both the prop and fellow England teammate Anthony Watson, who has also ruptured his ACL. Watson, who starred for the British & Irish Lions during the summer limped off mid-game in Bath’s recent thrashing at the hands of Gallagher Premiership rivals Saracens.

A Bath statement reads: “Following a detailed scan, Bath Rugby can confirm that the injury Beno Obano sustained in the Round 6 Gallagher Premiership match against Harlequins is an ACL rupture.

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“The club’s medical team will continue their work to ensure Beno is supported with the best possible care and rehabilitation in the short, medium and long-term.”

Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper said: “This is a complex injury that takes time to recover – we will provide a huge amount of care for Beno to ensure his safe return to the field.

“His professionalism to overcome serious injuries in his career to date has been remarkable and I know this instance will be no different.

“We will support Beno through every step of his recovery journey.”

An update will be provided with regards to cover for Beno’s position once the club understands the availability of players within the market in conjunction with current squad depth.

“The club is also seeking cover for Anthony Watson, who sustained the same injury the week previous against Saracens. A full squad availability update will be shared tomorrow alongside the team announcement for the Round 7 fixture against Wasps.”

Obano is no stranger to the sideline, with previous injuries curtailing his international career to date.

The tighthead was one of a number of players that was included in Eddie Jones’ September training camp at the Lensbury Hotel in Teddington before being left out of the Autumn Series squad.