The Ruck and Maul: Saints Fans Say Goodbye to the Squad Father

The end of the season brings both excitement and dread as we find out who will be joining the club, but also who will be leaving. Saints have lost some good people this season, with one of them being the well-loved Dowson.

Having joined in the 2009-10 season from Newcastle Falcons, Dowson immediately made a name for himself, not only going to on to lift the Anglo-Welsh Cup in his first season at the club, but also by being short-listed for both the then Guinness Premiership Player of the Season Award and the RPA Players' Player of the Season Award. Not many can say they have made that kind of immediate impact at a new club, but Phil can. Playing for Northampton turned out to be the best fit for him, and he became a giant of the game in the six seasons he played for us.

Prior to joining the Saints, Dowson had not received a full international cap for England, but his superb form for the future Champions gave him his first senior start in June 2010 in a non-Test match against New Zealand. Then, in 2012, he played in the Six Nations for England, finally earning the recognition he deserved. He is an incredible club player, and many believed his form over the years warranted a call-up. Finally, Lancaster saw sense and rewarded him, something that every Saints fan was very happy with.

It's safe to say Dowson has been a firm fan favourite at the club since he joined - a nice guy on and off the field, he provided all players with an example to follow about how you should conduct yourself. Known as the squad father, he was an excellent captain for the Saints on the numerous occasions he was named as the skipper. 2014 will go down in the record books as the best year for the Saints, and Phil played a vital part in our success that year. Without his guidance and stellar performances, the team would not have been as complete as they were. I think I speak for everyone when I say he will be sorely missed.

Below are some messages the fans wanted to pass along as Dowson moves on and joins Worcester. Personally, I wish him the best of luck in everything that he does, and I look forward to seeing him back at the Gardens when Worcester visit in the Premiership.

Simon Badcock - Best wishes to the squad father at your new club. You will always be welcome at Franklin's Gardens. A great Saints man who will be missed.
Liz Cochrane - Good luck to all the Saints players leaving the club. You all played a part in helping the team win the league this season.
Jason Cockerill - Good luck to a legend. It has been a pleasure supporting you.
Angela Collins - Good luck to you, you were a great Saints man. We will miss you, thanks for all your efforts. You helped us be what we are today.
Mary de Clifton - Good luck and the best to all our leavers. Be happy in all you do. Thank you for all your hard work. We will miss you.
John Dix - Don't be a stranger. Come back and see us soon. Once a Saint, always a Saint. Good luck.
Malcolm Evans - Good luck to you. Looking forward to seeing you play for Worcester.
Chris Harris - All the very best for the future. Thank you for all your efforts, the roles you've played on and off the field. You have been a great ambassador for the sport and the town. Once a Saint. always a Saint.
Alex Keogh - Thank you for pulling on that shirt and creating memories for all of us, good luck in the future in everything you do. Don't forget, you are always welcome back at the Gardens. Saints man for life.
Bernie Kilcullen - To all those leaving us, a massive thank you. It was a pleasure watching you play in green, black and gold.
Helen Mainprize - Dows, I am so glad you are staying in the Premiership, but no more tries on Piggy's Patch please! Gutted to see you go, a true squad father on and off the pitch, leading the way for all to follow. Enjoy Worcester.
Daphne Mann - Good luck with your new club, you will be missed.
Andrew Masterman - Thanks for your service and dedication to the club. All the best for your future with Worcester.
Sandy Masterman - Thank you Phil for everything you have given to Saints Rugby. We wish you the very best of luck for your new adventure with Worcester.
Dave Pittam - Thanks for the memories, stay healthy and good luck in all you do.
Jane Richardson - Good luck to you. May you have a successful and healthy career. You have been amazing for the club.
Simon Stacey - Captain Fantastic, the squad father who will be missed. Thanks for all you have done. Please don't come back and haunt us when you return with Worcester.
Alan Wharton - Good luck to Phil and Samu in particular, and to all the others departing to pastures new.
Susan Wharton - Good luck and thanks to all who are going, especially Samu and Dows. I don't know how we'll persuade our unenthusiastic daughter in law to join us now, she only ever came to see Dows!

And now to finish with a few fan photos to demonstrate how popular Dows has been with everyone down at the Gardens, enjoy!