Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town is hardly the most exotic location in the world, but its squad delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.
In a place famous for boot‑making, you could anticipate boot work to be the Northampton's main approach. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors prefer to keep ball in hand.
Even though playing for a typically British community, they showcase a flair typical of the finest French masters of champagne rugby.
After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and gone deep in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in the ultimate match and knocked out by the Irish province in a penultimate round earlier.
They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit Bristol on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for multiple clubs in total, always planned to be a trainer.
“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you get older, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”
Discussions with club legends culminated in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson manages a team increasingly filled with internationals: key individuals lined up for the Red Rose facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.
Is the emergence of this outstanding generation attributable to the club's environment, or is it luck?
“It is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a unit is definitely one of the reasons they are so tight and so talented.”
Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I deal with others.”
Saints play entertaining football, which proved literally true in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was involved with the French club beaten in the European competition in the spring when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw enough to reverse the trend of UK players joining Top 14 sides.
“A mate called me and stated: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We lack the funds for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a funny side.
“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson comments the young Henry Pollock provides a particular energy. Has he coached an individual like him? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be himself.”
Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against their opponents previously demonstrated his unusual skill, but a few of his expressive on-field antics have brought allegations of arrogance.
“At times comes across as cocky in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Pollock is being serious all the time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence in the squad.”
Hardly any managers would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Vesty.
“Sam and I share an inquisitiveness regarding different things,” he notes. “We run a reading group. He wants to see everything, seeks to understand each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.
“We converse on numerous topics beyond the sport: cinema, reading, thoughts, creativity. When we played Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”
One more fixture in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event intervenes shortly. The French side, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are up first on the coming weekend before the South African team travel to soon after.
“I refuse to be arrogant enough to {