20 Questions: Beno Obano – Bath loosehead

Enjoyed your breakthrough season?
I wouldn’t call it a breakthrough season but it’s the beginning of something good hopefully. I enjoyed some game time so maybe I can push on next season.
Must be happy with 19 games?
It’s pretty cool to look at it but I didn’t start much so that’s something I’m aspiring to do. You always want to play more but it was good for me to build from my six appearances in two years before that.
How’s the Premiership as a 22-year-old prop?
It only really sinks in when people remind me of how old I am. Some guys my age are already playing for England or even the Lions so as much as I’m happy about what I’ve done so far I know there’s some way to go.
You had a near career-ending back injury though, didn’t you?
I picked it up when I was in the Wasps academy. I was pretty close to call it a day but I didn’t want to be that guy that just gave up when it got tough.
How tough was it after being a school superstar at Dulwich?
It was tough mentally because I was used to be the man and play every single game. But then when I arrived at Wasps I wasn’t playing and no-one knew me. You think senior rugby is going to be easy like school but far from it.
Did you seek advice?
No but I did question my abilities. In the end it came down to whether I wanted to have a real go at being a professional rugby player or just back out.
Decided to have a crack then?
When you’re 19 you’re starting to know what sort of person you are and your true character comes out. I’m a big believer in God so I put my faith in him and went for it.
When did Bath sign you?
Wasps let me go but Mike Ford gave me an opportunity to bounce back in Bath in 2014. That’s all I needed and then it was down to me to take the lifeline he threw at me.
Did you feel the same trust from Todd Blackadder this season?
Very much so. I didn’t play that much under Mike but injuries to other looseheads and with Max Lahiff moving to tighthead it opened a door for me to play in pre-season.
Happy with your performances?
I thought I did well at the scrum over the season but the big thing for me is to now be able to keep that same level of consistency at the set piece while being able to carry the ball. I used to love carrying at school so I’m hoping I can get back to that next season.
Standout moment this season?
Playing at Twickenham against Leicester was quite cool and my first Premiership start at Bristol towards the end of the season was special too – even if we lost.
Toughest tighthead you came across?
Dan Cole seems obvious but I have to go for him really. He’s not the biggest and the strongest around but he’s very intelligent in what he does and that’s what stood out for me.
Happy to get that professional contract?
Of course! It’s not going to change much as the academy and the first team train together at Bath. But I’ll be under a lot more scrutiny from the coaches I guess.
Targets for next season?
The dream is to start more games but it’s not up to me to pick the team. All I can aspire to do is do my best to achieve my full potential.
Do you feel pressure to succeed because of your glorious school days?
Everyone in the Premiership now was brilliant at school so I’m not special in that sense. The pressure comes from myself and what I want to achieve.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I’d have gone to Exeter University to study Politics and hopefully get a job in the City after that. Probably in the insurance sector.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’m trying my best to eat better but I live with Anthony Watson and his girlfriend makes a sensational truffle mac and cheese.
Three dinner guests?
Kevin Hart, Leonard DiCaprio and Anthony Joshua.
Best and worst banter at Bath?
Matt Garvey is pretty funny unlike Michael van Vuuren.
Best and worst dressed?
I’m the best dressed but if I have to give it to someone else I’d give it to Anthony Watson. The worst dressed is Jonathan Joseph.