PHIL Dowson has been described as an “incredibly inspirational” player and a “wonderful human being” after hanging up his boots.

The former England international took to the field for the final time in Worcester Warriors’ 28-23 defeat to Leicester Tigers at a packed-out Sixways earlier this month.

Dowson finished his playing career on 262nd appearances in the Aviva Premiership, joint-second with George Chuter on the all-time list.

The 35-year-old, who arrived at Worcester in the summer of 2015, received a standing ovation from the home fans when he was substituted.

Full-back Chris Pennell paid a glowing tribute to his teammate who will now join Northampton Saints in the summer to become assistant coach.

“Phil is a rare breed and is incredibly inspirational,” Pennell said.

“When he speaks the room listens.

“He is an incredible player and his career speaks for itself. I think everywhere he has been he has been hugely valued by both players and coaches.

“He is a true gent first and foremost and a really top man.

“As a player, he gives everything and there have been countless occasions over the last couple of seasons where we have needed a bit of a kick and he has come in at the right times, said the right things and got the boys on track.

“That’s not something you can learn. That’s something that comes naturally.”

The forward started his career at Newcastle Falcons, making his first team debut in the 2001/02 campaign and went on to captain the club.

He then joined Northampton Saints where he racked up nearly 200 games between 2009 and 2015, winning the league and the Amlin Challenge Cup in 2014.

On the international front, Dowson secured seven England caps after making his bow in the 2012 Six Nations.

Director of rugby Gary Gold said Guildford-born Dowson was a “brilliant professional” and had been a “treat to work with” at Warriors.

“He prepares really well, is a good leader and I feel privileged to have worked with a guy like that,” Gold added.

“I have been able to work with some really good rugby players and wonderful human beings and Phil is definitely one of them.

“I am just really happy that he has been able to stay in the game and obviously further his career at Northampton.”