Dowson delighted as 'important signing' Davison extends his stay at Saints
Phil Dowson is delighted to see Trevor Davison sign a new contract at Saints, and admits props like him 'are incredibly hard to find'.
The director of rugby has been impressed with everything the 33-year-old has brought to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens since he joined from Newcastle in March, 2023, and believes he ‘still has room to keep growing’.
Davison was a major factor in Saints winning their Premiership title in 2024 and also reaching the Champions Cup Final last season.
He has also resurrected his international career, winning his fourth England cap from the bench in last weekend's Six Nations win over Wales, and is in the 23-man squad for Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland at Murrayfield.
After putting pen to paper on his new deal at Saints, he can look forward to adding to his 64 appearances in the black, green and gold so far - and Dowson is very happy that is the case.
“Trev has added so much to our group since the day he arrived – not just in the front row, but right across the squad," said the director of rugby.
"The way he goes about his work, the standards he sets, and the presence he brings all lifts the atmosphere around the place, so we’re delighted he’s chosen to stay on.
“He’s a leader through his actions and his toughness.
"Trev is one of the enforcers in our squad, and someone the younger players naturally look towards.
"He supports them in his own quiet way, and he’s also the type of character who keeps people on track when they need it.
“It was a big decision for him to leave home and move to Northampton when he did.
"That move was driven by his ambition to win and to get back into international rugby, and it meant stepping away from a close family and support network.
"For him now to commit again says a lot about how settled he feels here and how much he values the environment at Saints.
“Props like Trev are incredibly hard to find.
"Everyone sees his set-piece work, but his work around the field – his carrying, his defensive movement – are just as important.
"He’s improved those parts of his game significantly, and given he started playing professionally later than most, he’s still got room to keep growing.
“What we know we’ll get from Trev every week is consistency, physicality, edge, and a huge amount of pride in the shirt – so he’s another really important signing for us.