JUST IN: England prop has been banned following his red card in the recent Premiership final, effectively ending his hopes of participating in the upcoming series against All Blacks…

### England Prop Beno Obano Receives Four-Week Ban After Premiership Final Red Card

England prop Beno Obano has been handed a four-week suspension following his red card in the recent Premiership final, as determined by an independent disciplinary hearing.

### Incident and Match Details

Obano was sent off in the 22nd minute during the intense match at Twickenham Stadium last Saturday, forcing his Bath team to play most of the game with 14 players. Despite this disadvantage, Bath delivered a commendable performance, keeping Northampton Saints under pressure until a late try by Alex Mitchell secured the title for Saints.

### Disciplinary Hearing Outcome

Following Bath’s narrow 25-21 defeat, Obano awaited his disciplinary hearing. On Thursday, the punishment for the loosehead prop was confirmed.

A statement detailed: “The case of Beno Obano, Bath Rugby, was heard by an independent disciplinary panel chaired by Matthew Weaver KC, along with Leon Lloyd and Mitch Read. Obano received a red card for dangerous tackling, against World Rugby Law 9.13, in a game against Northampton Saints on June 8, 2024.

### Ban Details

While Obano admitted to foul play, he disputed that it warranted a red card. The panel upheld the charge, resulting in a four-match ban, which could be reduced to three if he applies for World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme (CIP).

The statement added: “Given the timing of this disciplinary hearing at the end of the domestic season, the next applicable meaningful fixtures for the purposes of sanction will be confirmed later.”

### Impact on England Squad

With Bath’s season now over, focus shifts to England’s upcoming matches against Japan and New Zealand. Obano was excluded from England’s touring squad announced on Monday due to the expected suspension, hindering his ability to further showcase his skills on the international stage.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has instead selected Sale Sharks’ Bevan Rodd and Harlequins’ Fin Baxter and Joe Marler as the loosehead prop options for the tour.

### Obano’s Red Card Controversy

Bath’s coach Johann van Graan expressed disagreement with the decision, stating, “I don’t believe it was foul play.” However, the panel’s decision stands, and Obano will miss a significant portion of the upcoming international fixtures.