Northampton Saints number eight Phil Dowson is aiming for a first full England cap on the back of his club and England Saxons performances.

The 28-year-old has won two successive player of the month awards at Saints and was named man of the match for the Saxons win against Ireland Wolfhounds.

Dowson told BBC Radio Northampton: "I'm proud to play for the Saxons but there's always one more step up.

"If the England coaches give me a call, that'll be a massive bonus."

Dowson added: "Everyone in the Saxons is hoping to play in the first-team.

"You get envious watching them play. But it's been good exposure for me, to get some experience in different environments."

The former Newcastle Falcons captain has been delighted with how well things have gone at Franklin's Gardens since his move in the summer.

"It was a new environment and a new system, which took some bedding in," he said.

"But the players and staff made it so easy. I've really enjoyed it, and talking to the Newcastle guys, it's nice to catch up with them but I wouldn't change the move for the world now."

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