Phil Dowson
England A (Capt) and Northampton
The signing of Phil Dowson by Northampton Saints from Newcastle Falcons is rated to be the most successful signing of the season. He came to Northampton having spent his entire career to date at Newcastle. Articulate and personable, he is one of the most respected leaders in the Guinness Premiership, having captained Newcastle since 2007, the same year he skippered the England A team to the Churchill Cup title. Phil made his Northampton debut in the season opener against Worcester and duly bagged a try in the win. Equally comfortable in all three back row positions, Phil has made well over 100 appearances in the Guinness Premiership.

