WORCESTER Warriors flanker Phil Dowson will retire from rugby at the end of the season to begin a coaching role with former club Northampton Saints.

The former England international has made 35 appearances for Warriors since making the move from Franklin's Gardens in 2015.

The 35-year-old has also been called upon to captain the side on a number of occasions this season.

But the experienced forward has not featured since Warriors’ 28-22 defeat to Harlequins in the Anglo-Welsh Cup last month.

Warriors director of rugby Gary Gold said Dowson, who has won seven caps for England, has had an “outstanding career”.

"Phil has been an important member of the first-team squad since his arrival at Sixways and is someone who continually looks to raise standards both on and off the pitch,” he said.

"He has enjoyed an outstanding career in the top-flight of English rugby and we wish him well for his move into coaching."

Dowson played nearly 200 games for Saints and will return to the club in the summer to start his new role as assistant coach.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my two seasons at Sixways at a time when some of the best young players in the country have been integrated into the first-team set-up,” he said.

"I have no doubt that Warriors will move up the Premiership table in years to come and I wish everyone involved with the club the best of luck for the future."

Dowson completes a coaching quartet which includes (attack coach) Alan Dickens, (defence coach) Mark Hopley and (forwards coach) Dorian West.

The former Newcastle Falcons player added: “The Saints was where I enjoyed most of my success as a player, and in my six years there we were competing in semi-finals and finals each season.

“So while I’m sad to be retiring this is a great opportunity to get involved with the club that I love.

"I obviously know Jim, Dorian, Alan and Mark really well, and how the club works, and this will be a massive help as I make the transition into the next stage of my career onto what will be a steep learning curve.

“Franklin’s Gardens is a special place, and throughout the club – players, coaches, staff, ownership and supporters – everyone wants the Saints to be successful.

"It’s a strong club with strong values and culture, and I’m looking forward to getting on the other side of the fence and helping the players get better and to achieve things."

Saints' director of rugby Jim Mallinder believes Dowson has "everything it takes" to have a successful coaching career.

"We’re delighted to be welcoming Phil back to the club," Mallinder said. 

"Phil has been a leader throughout his playing career, whether at Newcastle, here at the Saints, or with the England Saxons, and played a key role in establishing the culture that took us to the top of the Aviva Premiership.

"He was always a coach on the field and we know that he will have the respect of the players.

"He’s had a great playing career and has everything it takes to be a successful coach too.”