Aviva Premiership: Championship side Worcester raid Northampton for England international Phil Dowson

Worcester have signed England international back-row forward Phil Dowson from Aviva Premiership champions Northampton.

Dowson will move to the Championship club at the end of this season following six years at Franklin's Gardens.

The 33-year-old was a key figure behind Northampton's Premiership and European Challenge Cup successes last term, and also featured during previous Heineken Cup and LV= Cup-winning campaigns.

Dowson, who won the first of seven England caps during the 2012 Six Nations Championship, played for Newcastle before making the move south to Northampton.

Worcester rugby director Dean Ryan said: "We are continuing to build a side which can progress season after season, and to be able to attract a player of Phil's calibre to be at the centre of that journey is a huge coup for the club.

"Phil's leadership qualities have been a crucial component of the success Northampton have experienced in recent seasons, and his presence at Sixways will be huge for the development of this young side."

While the Warriors prepare to greet Dowson, they have confirmed lock Mike Williams' departure to Leicester this summer.

Ryan added: "Over the last 18 months we have placed our focus on developing talented young players, and Mike's rapid progression is an illustration of the success we have had.

"We have to accept that there will be occasions where a talented player of Mike's calibre will seek to challenge themselves at the top of European rugby and join one of English rugby's powerhouses.

"We wish Mike the best of luck in his quest with Leicester Tigers, and will keep the door open for him to return to Sixways in the future."