Rugby star claims print is the more challenging vocation

The print industry is "more challenging" than an international rugby career, claims England's Phil Dowson.

Juggling a high-profile sporting role and being a director of a print firm isn't easy, however, Dowson believes that the print side is harder, according to booktrade.info, a claim that could interest those in the large format printing business.

Comparing the two in Print Week, Dowson explained that in rugby, "there is always another opportunity to get back on track immediately - unlike print." He bemoaned the occasions when sales could be slow and it felt like he was getting nowhere.

However, his sporting background seems to stand him in good stead to cope for the roller coaster print industry's: "There will be days when we are on the front foot and we will have the opportunity to score lots of points and make lots of sales," he said.

Dowson gained his first international cap against Scotland in the opening Six Nations match, where England won 13-6. He is now a "star performer" for the Northampton Saints but is realistic that his playing days will not last forever and is considering making the print industry his long-term profession as and when the time comes to hang up his boots.

"Ideally it would be an option when I finish playing," he mused. "Having said that, we are going to have to generate major growth in order for that to happen, which is of course what we are focusing on."