Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘My Bank Job Was a Real Challenge’
Northampton may not be the most glamorous location in the world, but its squad offers an abundance of thrills and drama.
In a place known for boot‑making, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues choose to run with the ball.
Even though playing for a quintessentially English community, they display a panache typical of the best Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.
From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have secured the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.
They lead the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and head to their West Country rivals on matchday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 elite fixtures for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a coach.
“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “Yet as you get older, you realise how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was difficult – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”
Discussions with club legends led to a role at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a roster increasingly packed with internationals: prominent figures lined up for England against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a major effect off the bench in the national team's successful series while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.
Is the emergence of this exceptional cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?
“It's a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a collective is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”
Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my professional journey, my training methods, how I manage people.”
The team play appealing football, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the French club overcome in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman scored a triple. Belleau admired the style enough to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.
“A friend called me and remarked: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my friend informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.
“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson says the young Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached a player similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Each person is original but Pollock is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be himself.”
Pollock’s sensational score against the Irish side previously demonstrated his freakish talent, but various his animated on-field antics have resulted in allegations of cockiness.
“On occasion appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss all the time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I feel sometimes it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence in the squad.”
Few coaches would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.
“We both share an curiosity regarding various topics,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the similar.
“We discuss numerous topics beyond rugby: movies, books, ideas, creativity. When we faced the Parisian club in the past season, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”
A further match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be temporary because the continental event kicks in next week. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are up first on the coming weekend before the Bulls arrive at soon after.
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