Championship club Worcester have announced the signing of
England international back-row forward Phil Dowson from Aviva Premiership
champions Northampton.
The flanker, 33, will move to Sixways at the end of this
season following six years at Franklin's Gardens.
He was a key figure behind Northampton's Premiership and
European Challenge Cup successes last term, and he also featured during
previous Heineken Cup and LV= Cup-winning campaigns.
Dowson played for Newcastle before joining the Saints, while
he won the first of seven England caps during the 2012 Six Nations Championship.
Worcester rugby director Dean Ryan said: "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."
While the Warriors prepare to greet Dowson, though, they
have confirmed lock Mike Williams' departure to Leicester.
Zimbabwe-born Williams, 23, will leave Worcester this
summer.
Ryan added: "Over the last 18 months we have placed our
focus on developing talented young players, and Mike's rapid progression is an
illustration of the success we have had.
"We have to accept that there will be occasions where a
talented player of Mike's calibre will seek to challenge themselves at the top
of European rugby and join one of English rugby's powerhouses.
"We wish Mike the best of luck in his quest with
Leicester Tigers, and will keep the door open for him to return to Sixways in
the future."
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