20 Questions: Phil Dowson – Worcester back-row

How’s pre-season going?
The boys are working hard. We had a ten day break in Tignes which was brilliant and the group is coming together quite nicely.
Starting to see the end of the tunnel?
Most definitely! Rather than focussing solely on the fitness and conditioning we’re doing a lot more rugby which is great four weeks from the start of the season.
How far have you come this summer?
Looking good. We had our first hit out against the Barbarians which was just after we came back from France.
How important was that first hit out to put your preparation in perspective?
We lost, but showed some good things in attack. But we leaked too many points  and we’ve been working hard on defence since.
Wasps and Saracens up next before the big kick off against Northampton?
It’ll be good to give all the members of the squad an opportunity and tie up the loose ends. It was a long pre-season but it’ll be coming thick and fast now.
Played at No.8 against the BaaBaas, looking to stay there?
I’m open to anything really but I prefer playing at blindside or No.8. I’ll have to have a word with Dean Ryan to see what he wants from me.
How long have you been at the club?
I had five weeks off after the end of my season with Saints so I joined the Warriors at the start of July.
What’s you verdict so far?
Everyone has made me feel welcome. I managed to go out for a few beers with some of the lads which always helps to get into a new squad.
Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself?
The club is full of ambition and the players are keen to prove themselves at the highest level. They suffered relegation two years ago and they don’t want it to happen again.
From the outside it looks like you’re equipped to avoid relegation, does it feel the same from inside?
The facilities are great and everything is being updated to a very good standard. It’s only my first summer at the club but I don’t see why we can’t stay up. We’ve got the players and the game plan to do it.
Sad news about Jonathan Thomas’ retirement?
He’s an unbelievable player and he’s well respected at Sixways. Luckily he can control his epilepsy with medication but I hope it’ll raise the risks of concussion and head trauma even more. I don’t think players will be worried about playing the sport but it needs to be looked at.
What are your personal targets for the season?
Get picked first and foremost. I understand there is a lot of talent in the squad but I want to do everything I can to help the Warriors win games.
You’re 33 now with a two-year deal, thinking about life after rugby?
I’m still feeling pretty good so I haven’t looked beyond that. But a lot can happen in two years so I’ll see how things unfold. I’ve got a business on the side so when rugby ends I’ll have something to fall back on.
Did you need that new challenge after six years at Northampton?
Definitely! The change of scenery has been a big boost for me. It’s given me a new lease of life.
How do you look back at your time at the Gardens?
I had a great six years there. We won the league and played a Heineken Cup final. We had a great squad too. Enjoyment and success is what you look for as a rugby player and I had both with Saints.
Coming through the ranks at Newcastle before that?
I spent six years there too. We had a great squad but for some reason we couldn’t put it together on the field. A lot of the guys went on to play for England.
Including you in 2012…
I loved my time in the England set up. I was 31 so it was long due but looking back I had a great time.
If you could have three special dinner guests?
Carl Hayman, who loves a beer, Jon Bon Jovi who would play the music and Helen Mirren because everyone loves an older woman.
Best and worst banter at the Warriors?
Tom Biggs is pretty funny but Niall Annett is the worst.
Best and worst dressed?
Ryan Mills loves his expensive clothes so he’s the best but Ryan Lamb is often off the mark.