England call on Dowson

Phil Dowson

12 April 2012

Northampton number eight Phil Dowson has been called into the England squad as cover for injured flanker Hendre Fourie.

Dowson had been due to captain the England Saxons against Russia in the Churchill Cup on Wednesday, but he will instead fly from the United States to link up with Martin Johnson's squad in Australia.

Fourie was one of England's better performers in Tuesday's 28-28 draw with the Australian Barbarians before being forced off at half-time with a right calf problem.

Dowson was considered extremely unfortunate not to have made the initial 44-man senior squad after an outstanding season for Northampton.

The 28-year-old Saints skipper was shortlisted for the Guinness Premiership player of the season and he provides Johnson with options across the back row.

Dowson's preferred position is number eight but he is comfortable at blindside flanker and had been due to play for the Saxons at openside.

Leicester-bound lock George Skivington will now take over as Saxons captain with Saracens flanker Andy Saull coming into the team.