HE might have racked up the third-most appearances in Aviva Premiership history, but Phil Dowson would swap “quite a few” of those games for “more wins”.

The former England back row is retiring at the end of the season and can look back on a successful playing career.

Dowson has registered 259 appearances in the top tier behind only George Chuter (262) and record-holder Steve Borthwick (265).

He is returning to Franklin’s Gardens in ths summer to take up an assistant coach role with the Saints.

“Steve is an absolute legend and has played 265 Premiership games,” said the Worcester Warriors ace.

“Rugby is not an individual sport and I would swap quite a few of the games for more wins.

“I would swap a huge amount for semi-final wins and to play in more finals in the Premiership.

“I lost in four semi-finals and a final in the Heineken Cup.

“Rugby is not a game about individuals. If individual sport was my bag, I would play tennis or golf. Rugby is a team game and it’s the team record that counts.”

Dowson, 35, was an instrumental part of the Northampton side who won the Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup in May 2014.

Before joining Saints as a player, Dowson made more than 120 appearances for Newcastle Falcons, spending two seasons as captain following the club's Powergen Cup success in 2004.

Dowson featured in 21 Premiership matches for Warriors last term and finished in the top six for tackles and carries across the league.

He has played 14 times for Warriors this campaign but not been in the Premiership squad since a heavy defeat at Gloucester on January 7.

“I love playing and would love to play for 10 more years but at 35 it’s about transition,” he said.

“I have taken a lot of advice from family, friends and coaches and it’s a difficult decision to stop playing because you want to continue to play and it’s something I love.

“You don’t necessarily want to fade away and there are a few examples of guys retiring at the right time with Richie McCaw and Jonny Wilkinson holding a trophy.

“Most retire through injury or a year too early or a year too late and it’s much better to retire a year too early. I don’t want to push it and go until my body is broken.”

He added: “When you get offered an opportunity, it makes you think.

“It’s a coaching gig at one of the top clubs in the country and a club of which I am very fond.

“I’ve got great memories (at Saints) and it’s a club I want to see doing well."

Dowson lives in Belbroughton, near Stourbridge, but is getting married in July and plans to move closer to Northampton for his new role.

He praised the “incredible” work of Warriors’ education officer Lynette Cutting, who helps players prepare for life after rugby.

“Lynette does an incredible job,” said Dowson.

“I think Saracens have led the led with player welfare and getting guys into business and education but Warriors are doing a phenomenal job in terms of guys on to education courses, apprenticeships and business and I think that has to be encouraged. I know from experience it’s the last thing you want to do after a long day’s training."

Dowson is planning to take his coaching qualifications and is now trying to speak to as many coaches as possible before the end of the season.

He added: “It’s going to be a steep learning curve but what I lack in experience I will make up for in enthusiasm.”