England greats Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes are among those top names heading across the Channel this summer, with both stepping down from international duty following last year’s Rugby World Cup.
However while the likes of Farrell, Lawes and Manu Tuilagi are in the twilight of their careers, players such as Henry Arundell, Joe Marchant, David Ribbans and Jack Willis have all taken themselves out of England contention after making moves to France in the past year.
Willis, who joined Toulouse after his boyhood club Wasps went bust, excelled for the French giants as they won a record-extending sixth Champions Cup last weekend.
“They are all under their own volition and free will to go and do what they think is right for their career,” explained Dowson.
“But at the same time we have to create market forces that keep them here.
“The point isn’t to complain, but the point is to look at what the [French] Top 14 do, what do the Pro D2 do to create a really thriving market that creates funding that creates finance and creates enjoyment, and then do that here.
“And then you can keep players here because you increase the salary cap, because you can afford to do so.
“It upsets me certainly [players leaving], because I am fond of them and they are good players, obviously, which is why they have gone for bigger pay cheques,” said Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson.
“But the up side is it encourages you to bring your own through the ranks and make sure your succession plans are in line.”