Phil Dowson to retire at end of season

Former England international Phil Dowson is set to announce retirement from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing season.

The 35-year-old joined Worcester Warriors in 2015 and will now return back to his former club Northampton Saints as an assistant coach replacing Alex King.

The back-row will be part of the Northampton back-room staff which will have Jim Mallinder as rugby director, Dorian West as forwards coach while Alan Dickens and Mark Hopley occupy attack and defence coach respectively.

Northampton Saints are currently placed eighth in the ongoing season with seven wins and eight defeats and Mallinder believes the addition of Dowson to the existing support staffs will benefit the club in their goals for the next season.

"We believe we have a strong, stable and committed group of coaches that will take the team forward next season," said rugby director Mallinder.

"The first half of the current season was not what we wanted it to be, but since Christmas we have been playing some good rugby in all competitions, scoring tries and being very competitive in every game.

"Dorian, Alan and Mark have a strong working relationship and we are seeing the benefits of that on the pitch.

"Alan's qualities were recognised last season when he helped England Saxons to a 2-0 series win over the Emerging Springboks, Mark deserves his opportunity at this level after his excellent work with our senior academy over a number of years and the first team in the past few months, and both of them have achieved the highest possible level of coaching qualifications with the RFU.

"Stability is a hallmark of many successful teams, but it is also good to freshen things up and we're delighted to be welcoming Phil Dowson back to the club.

"Phil has been a leader throughout his playing career, whether at Newcastle, here at the Saints, or with the England Saxons, and played a key role in establishing the culture that took us to the top of the Aviva Premiership.

"He was always a coach on the field and we know that he will have the respect of the players. He's had a great playing career and has everything it takes to be a successful coach, too."

Dowson played seven Tests for England in 2012 and had eight year association with Newcastle Falcons prior to his stint with Northampton Saints during which he made 186 appearances between 2009 and 2015.

The former England Saxons player said he is excited to return back to Franklin's Gardens' outfit.

"The Saints was where I enjoyed most of my success as a player, and in my six years there we were competing in semi-finals and finals each season," said Dowson.

"So while I'm sad to be retiring this is a great opportunity to get involved with the club that I love.

"I obviously know Jim, Dorian, Alan and Mark really well, and how the club works, and this will be a massive help as I make the transition into the next stage of my career onto what will be a steep learning curve.

"Franklin's Gardens is a special place, and throughout the club - players, coaches, staff, ownership and supporters - everyone wants the Saints to be successful.

"It's a strong club with strong values and culture, and I'm looking forward to getting on the other side of the fence and helping the players get better and to achieve things.”