Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic destination in the world, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.
In a town renowned for boot‑making, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. However under leader Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.
Although playing for a distinctly UK town, they showcase a style synonymous with the greatest Gallic masters of champagne rugby.
After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final previously.
They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Bristol on matchday as the just one without a loss, seeking a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight games for various teams altogether, always planned to be a manager.
“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you get older, you comprehend how much you love the sport, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing work experience. You do the commute a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”
Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a squad increasingly packed with global stars: prominent figures were selected for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will assume the No 10 jersey.
Is the emergence of this exceptional generation attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?
“It's a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is certainly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so talented.”
Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”
Northampton play attractive the game, which was clearly evident in the instance of their new signing. The import was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman notched a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw enough to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.
“A mate phoned me and stated: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Belleau and his English was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.
“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson says the emerging Henry Pollock brings a specific vitality. Does he know a player similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s not afraid to be himself.”
Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against Leinster in the past campaign demonstrated his unusual talent, but some of his demonstrative in-game actions have led to allegations of cockiness.
“He sometimes comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's not joking around the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”
Hardly any managers would claim to have sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with his co-coach.
“Sam and I have an curiosity about diverse subjects,” he says. “We maintain a reading group. He wants to see everything, seeks to understand all there is, wants to experience different things, and I think I’m the same.
“We discuss lots of things outside rugby: films, books, concepts, creativity. When we played the Parisian club in the past season, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
A further date in Gall is coming up: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes soon. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team travel to the following weekend.
“I won't be overconfident sufficiently to {