WORCESTER Warriors have added two ‘strong leaders’ to their back row for next season with the signings of England international Phil Dowson and promising flanker Carl Kirwan.
Dowson, who has made seven appearances for his country, will end his six year stay at Northampton Saints to join Warriors in the summer along with London Welsh ace Kirwan.
Director of rugby Dean Ryan said Warriors had made a “huge coup” to get Dowson, who last played for England in 2012, to sign for the Greene King IPA Championship leaders.
The 33-year-old has played 179 times for the Franklin’s Gardens club and was an instrumental part of the side which won the Aviva Premiership and the Amlin Challenge Cup last May. He also captained Jim Mallinder’s side for parts of both campaigns as Northampton enjoyed their most triumphant season in the club’s history.
And Ryan said Dowson’s leadership qualities would be a big asset for Worcester as they attempt to establish themselves as a top flight club.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Dowson, who has previously played for Newcastle Falcons, added: “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.”
Ryan said he was also delighted to snap up Kirwan who will move to Sixways following two seasons at Welsh where he helped them secure promotion to the Aviva Premiership last year.
The 23-year-old regularly captains the Exiles and Ryan believes he was capable of becoming a strong figure at Warriors.
“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,” Ryan said.
“Developing a team which includes strong leaders is crucial so I am delighted that he has chosen to join us.”
Caption: Back row Phil Dowson will join Worcester Warriors at the end of the season. Picture by Andy Taylor.