Northampton Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous destination globally, but its squad offers plenty of romance and adventure.
In a town known for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.
Although embodying a quintessentially English location, they exhibit a flair synonymous with the best Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.
Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the English top flight and gone deep in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash previously.
They sit atop the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs in total, consistently aimed to be a coach.
“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “But as you mature, you understand how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”
Discussions with former mentors led to a role at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson guides a squad ever more filled with national team players: prominent figures lined up for the national side versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will assume the No 10 jersey.
Is the development of this remarkable cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?
“It's a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”
Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be guided by highly engaging individuals,” he says. “He had a major effect on my professional journey, my training methods, how I manage others.”
Saints execute attractive football, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was involved with the French club overcome in the European competition in the spring when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of English talent joining Top 14 sides.
“A friend rang me and remarked: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He’s looking for experience, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.
“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the Top 14. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson says the young Pollock provides a specific energy. Has he encountered anyone like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is unique but Henry is different and unique in many ways. He’s fearless to be who he is.”
His breathtaking try against the Irish side last season showcased his freakish ability, but various his demonstrative on-field antics have resulted in accusations of overconfidence.
“On occasion appears arrogant in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not joking around the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”
Hardly any managers would claim to have sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with his co-coach.
“Sam and I have an curiosity around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore various elements, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I believe I’m the alike.
“We converse on numerous subjects away from the game: movies, books, thoughts, creativity. When we faced the Parisian club in the past season, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
One more date in France is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be brief because the Champions Cup takes over next week. The French side, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls travel to the following weekend.
“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {
