Worcester announce signing of Phil Dowson

Worcester Warriors today announced the signing of Phil Dowson ahead of next season.
The Northampton back-rower will move to Sixways this summer after six years at Franklin’s Gardens where he made 179 appearances for the first team and won the Premiership and Challenge Cup in 2014.
Prior to joining Northampton, he wore the Newcastle Falcons jersey more than 120 times.
On the international front, Dowson has won seven caps for England making his debut against Scotland in the 2012 Six Nations.
He said: “The opportunity to join such a forward-thinking club as Warriors is certainly an exciting one and something I am immensely looking forward to.
“Warriors are a club who have progressed rapidly behind the scenes in the last 18 months and they are clearly set for a very bright future, of which I am delighted to be a part of.”
Warriors Director of Rugby Dean Ryan added: “We are continuing to build a side which can progress season after season and to be able to attract a player of Phil’s calibre to be at the centre of that journey is a huge coup for the club.
“Phil’s leadership qualities have been a crucial component of the success Northampton have experienced in recent seasons and his presence at Sixways will be huge for the development of this young side.”
In addition of Dowson’s arrival, the Warriors also revealed they have secured the services of London Welsh flanker Carl Kirwan.
He said: “Having met with Dean Ryan and got a detailed understanding of his vision at Worcester Warriors, it became very clear that the club is somewhere you want to be as an ambitious young player.
“The facilities and infrastructure are second to none, the emphasis on the players creating the club environment going forward is a big motivator and I look forward to being part of that next season.
“As for now my focus is on giving my all to London Welsh until the end of the season.”
Ryan added: “Carl’s leadership capabilities have been demonstrated time and time again during his two seasons at London Welsh and those characteristics will be a significant benefit to this side.
“Developing a team which includes strong leaders is crucial so I am delighted that he has chosen to join us.”