‘He’s invaluable’ - Dowson delighted to see Coles sign new deal at Saints
Phil Dowson spoke of how ‘set-piece warrior’ Alex Coles is ‘invaluable’ to Saints after the England ace signed a new contract with the club.
The towering 6ft 7ins forward first joined the Saints Academy at just 13 years old and has since become a cornerstone of the squad, making 136 club appearances and earning 11 England caps along the way.
Now in his eighth season at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, 26-year-old Coles has joined Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell and Fraser Dingwall in re-signing with Saints in recent weeks.
And Dowson said: “I can’t speak highly enough of Alex Coles for what he brings on and off the pitch. He’s invaluable in our environment – a lineout specialist and set-piece warrior who drives standards across the board.
“His work rate off the field is exceptional, and from a leadership perspective he pushes himself and those around him to aspire to more.
“Colesy’s understanding of the game is also outstanding – he reads play brilliantly, finds space, and has the athleticism to score tries from 30 metres out, as we saw against Newcastle.
“Combine that with his versatility to play at lock or No.6 and you’ve got a hugely important player for us.
“Some of his best rugby came at the end of last season during the run-in and European final. He also impressed on England’s tour to Argentina, gaining valuable experience and returning in great form.
“Colesy clearly has ambitions to become an England regular, and we’re delighted his hard work is being recognised at international level.
“He wants to be the best and pushes himself physically and technically every day – that’s a trait we value highly at Saints.
“We’re thrilled to keep someone of Alex’s calibre within our environment.”