THE arrival of former England international Phil Dowson will bring valuable experience to Sixways, says Warriors’ director of rugby Dean Ryan.

Back row Dowson will be linking up with Worcester when pre-season training gets under way in July after signing from Northampton Saints.

“We are trying to take a group of ambitious youngsters who grab their opportunity and, at the same time, we need four or five people in the middle of that business,” said Ryan.

“Phil is one of the best around at being able to influence successful environments.

“The loss of Andries Pretorius was a factor, which left us highlighting some of the elements we were light on.

“I felt we needed another person in the middle of this business guiding it the right way and Phil is an outstanding prospect for doing that.”

Dowson, now 33, signed for Saints from Newcastle Falcons in 2009.

He leaves Northampton after a glittering six years at Franklin’s Gardens.

Dowson said: “I’m disappointed Northampton didn’t match Worcester’s offer but time marches on and they are a big club.

“At 33, this was going to happen at some point. Worcester are in a different place on their timeline and they’re on an upward curve.

“They wanted someone who has been there, seen it and done it and hopefully I will be adding my skills, experience and hard work.”

Ryan said young players at Sixways should be excited about Dowson’s pending arrival.

“He’s got a great track record and education,” said Ryan.

“Phil is excited about coming and making an impression as a player.

“I thought it was really good business.”

Ryan said he was also pleased to have signed London Welsh flanker Carl Kirwan.

“We chased him (Kirwan) last year and weren’t successful,” revealed Ryan.

“I thought he was the form seven in the Championship last season and was instrumental for Welsh.

“I am really excited about him coming here and being part of what we are trying to do.

“We have followed him for a long time.

“He’s starting out and is a hard-nosed back rower who will make a big impact here.”