'The life and soul' - Dowson salutes Prowse as lock signs new Saints deal

Prowse’s importance to the black, green and gold has been underlined this term as the lock has featured in 14 of Saints’ 18 games in all competitions so far, continuing to build on the foundations laid last season.

And boss Dowson believes the sky’s the limit for Prowse now that the former tighthead prop has firmly established himself in the second row.

Dowson said: “We always knew Ed could play at an extremely high level.

"He’s got a great skillset – he can handle the ball, he hits hard, he works tirelessly around the park, and his set piece is very strong.

“So while he was already a very capable player, we made the call to shift him from prop into the second row because of how effective he is in the loose. It’s not a move you see very often, but he’s been outstanding in the way he’s applied himself and has become a really impressive heavyweight lock.

"His ability to influence games through his physicality, his defensive work rate and the quality of his collisions has developed massively.

“He’s also a genuinely great man to have in the squad. He throws himself into everything, he’s very funny, and he’s the life and soul of so much within our environment – he’s a brilliant character to have around.

“But most importantly, it’s what he delivers on the pitch that stands out.

"If you’d told him when we moved him into the second row that 12 months later he’d be playing in a European final, he probably would have laughed – that’s how remarkable his journey has been.

“That whole group of locks is in a really good place.

"Alex Coles is having a huge impact with his leadership, driving the standards, and Ed has been outstanding within that too – so we’re absolutely delighted to keep hold of him.”