England lock set to return to PREM Rugby action this weekend

It has been confirmed that Alex Coles has returned to full training, making a return for the derby a hopeful possibility.

Coles has been sidelined since picking up an ankle injury during England’s Six Nations loss to France in Paris on March 14.

Dowson also eased concerns over fellow lock JJ van der Mescht after he was forced off in the recent clash with Bath.

Van der Mescht entered the game as a second-half replacement but was unable to see out the match.

The second row is one of the most imposing figures in professional rugby, ranking among the Prem's tallest players and sharing the title of heaviest in the league.

Dowson said: “He's good. He's okay. He's back training.”

Tighthead prop Cleopas Kundiona was another player to leave the field against Bath. Kundiona joined Northampton Saints from French Pro D2 outfit USON Nevers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Saints are still waiting to learn how long he could be unavailable for.

“He's seeing a specialist today [Tuesday],” Dowson said.

Tom Pearson is also recovering after sustaining a hand injury in last month’s Investec Champions Cup quarter-final defeat at Bath.

Speaking about Pearson, Dowson said: “Not quite training fully, but training.”

James Ramm has been absent in recent weeks after injuring his hamstring in the April 3 victory over Castres Olympique. The Australian back is set to depart the club at the end of the season to return home and join Western Force.

However, his recovery is progressing well.

Dowson said: “James Ramm has been running today. I saw him on the side of the pitch.

“We're obviously very conservative around soft tissue stuff, particularly with a winger, so we're looking after James but he's moving around and he's on the mend.”

George Furbank, who will leave Saints for Harlequins at the end of the season, missed the Gallagher PREM win over Bath because of a retrospective head injury assessment following the victory against Exeter Chiefs.

The club captain is expected to be available again this weekend.

Tom James continues his rehabilitation from injury, while Trevor Davison and Edoardo Todaro will miss the remainder of the season.