Saints bidding to bolster their back row ahead of next season

Angus Scott-Young departed earlier this season as he headed home to Australia, while Sam Graham’s move to Newcastle Red Bulls ahead of next season was announced earlier this week.

Saints will still have the likes of Josh Kemeny, Tom Pearson, Henry Pollock and Callum Chick at their disposal.

But when asked whether he will be seeking new back-row signings, Dowson said: "Of course. If you lose players, you have to replace them.

"There's a certain number of guys you need in each position to get through.

"There are some guys coming through the Academy who we have high hopes for, but at the same time we'll be looking tor recruit and make good decisions."

Saints have made several new contract announcements so far this season, with more still to follow.

And when asked about the retention process, Dowson said: "It's endless.

"It seems to be endless every year so we're just slowly working through and that we make good decisions around what we do in all of those different positional groups."

The summer departures of Graham and Elliot Millar Mills were announced before last Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup game at Union Bordeaux Bègles.

But neither player let that distract them from the task at hand as they both impressed from the bench in the 50-28 defeat.

"I think it speaks volumes about their characters, how much they care about this club and how invested they are in this club,” Dowson said.

"Elliot and Sam have done a huge amount for the club, and they will continue to do so up until the point where they leave.”