Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’
This English town is hardly the most glamorous destination on the planet, but its squad offers plenty of excitement and passion.
In a place renowned for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.
Even though representing a quintessentially English town, they showcase a style associated with the best French masters of attacking rugby.
From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and gone deep in the European competition – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.
They currently top the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and visit their West Country rivals on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight fixtures for various teams combined, always planned to be a manager.
“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you understand how much you love the game, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”
Discussions with club legends culminated in a position at the Saints. Move forward a decade and Dowson guides a team increasingly packed with national team players: key individuals started for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.
Is the emergence of this exceptional generation due to the team's ethos, or is it luck?
“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so skilled.”
Dowson also mentions his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting people,” he adds. “Mallinder had a major effect on my career, my training methods, how I interact with individuals.”
The team demonstrate entertaining the game, which became obvious in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was part of the opposing team defeated in the continental tournament in last season when the winger notched a three tries. He admired the style enough to go against the flow of English talent joining Top 14 sides.
“A friend rang me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He wants new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That interested me. We spoke to him and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a funny side.
“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson states the emerging Henry Pollock brings a specific enthusiasm. Has he coached an individual comparable? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “All players are individual but Henry is different and unique in many ways. He’s fearless to be authentic.”
His spectacular try against Leinster last season showcased his unusual talent, but some of his expressive during matches actions have brought allegations of arrogance.
“At times comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”
Not many coaches would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.
“Sam and I possess an curiosity around different things,” he says. “We have a book club. He desires to explore all aspects, aims to learn everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I feel like I’m the alike.
“We discuss lots of things beyond the sport: cinema, literature, concepts, creativity. When we played the Parisian club last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”
One more match in France is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be short-lived because the continental event intervenes soon. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the South African team travel to the following weekend.
“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {
