Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous location globally, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of thrills and drama.
In a city renowned for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.
Even though representing a typically British community, they display a style synonymous with the greatest French masters of champagne rugby.
Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.
They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier fixtures for various teams combined, had long intended to be a manager.
“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you age, you realise how much you love the rugby, and what the normal employment is like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you grasp what you have going for you.”
Conversations with former mentors resulted in a job at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster increasingly packed with global stars: prominent figures were selected for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s successful series while the number ten, down the line, will assume the No 10 jersey.
Is the development of this remarkable group due to the club's environment, or is it fortune?
“This is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the causes they are so tight and so talented.”
Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be guided by really interesting personalities,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my professional journey, my coaching, how I deal with people.”
Saints demonstrate entertaining football, which proved literally true in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was involved with the French club overcome in the European competition in last season when the winger scored a hat-trick. Belleau was impressed enough to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.
“An associate phoned me and remarked: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He wants a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his English was incredible, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.
“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be trained, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson comments the young Henry Pollock provides a specific vitality. Does he know a player like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “All players are individual but Henry is different and unique in many ways. He’s fearless to be himself.”
Pollock’s breathtaking try against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his freakish talent, but various his animated on-field actions have resulted in claims of cockiness.
“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Henry’s being serious the whole time. Tactically he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence within the team.”
Not many managers would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with his co-coach.
“Together share an inquisitiveness around different things,” he explains. “We run a book club. He desires to explore everything, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.
“We discuss numerous topics away from the sport: cinema, literature, ideas, art. When we played the Parisian club last year, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”
A further match in Gall is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the European tournament takes over soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club travel to a week later.
“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {
