Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘My Bank Job Was a Real Challenge’

Northampton is hardly the most exotic spot on the planet, but its squad delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Northampton's main approach. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Although representing a distinctly UK town, they display a panache synonymous with the finest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the continental tournament – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you mature, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing an internship. You travel to work a few times, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a role at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson leads a roster increasingly crammed with global stars: prominent figures were selected for the Red Rose versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the development of this remarkable cohort due to the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It's a mix of each,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by highly engaging personalities,” he notes. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I deal with people.”

Northampton demonstrate attractive football, which became obvious in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was part of the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. The player liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate rang me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We don’t have funds for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my mate told me. That caught my attention. We met with him and his communication was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be coached, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and beyond the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock brings a unique vitality. Has he coached a player similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Each person is unique but he is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

The player's sensational try against Leinster previously showcased his unusual skill, but various his demonstrative on-field antics have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“He sometimes appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Pollock is not taking the piss constantly. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”

Not many directors of rugby would claim to have sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.

“We both have an curiosity about various topics,” he says. “We maintain a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on many things away from rugby: films, reading, ideas, art. When we faced the Parisian club last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

A further match in Gall is coming up: The Saints' return with the English competition will be short-lived because the continental event takes over soon. The French side, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are up first on matchday before the Bulls visit a week later.

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