Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’
Northampton may not be the most exotic spot on the planet, but its squad provides an abundance of thrills and drama.
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 representing a typically British town, they display a flair typical of the greatest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.
Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the Champions Cup – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by Dublin-based club in a semi-final earlier.
They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.
It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, always planned to be a coach.
“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you age, you realise how much you love the game, and what the real world looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was tough – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”
Conversations with former mentors led to a role at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson manages a team ever more packed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the Red Rose facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while Fin Smith, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.
Is the emergence of this exceptional group attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?
“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the reasons they are so united and so gifted.”
Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage others.”
Northampton execute entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team overcome in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger registered a three tries. He admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of English talent joining Top 14 sides.
“An associate rang me and stated: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We don’t have funds for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He desires a fresh start, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my mate told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Anthony and his language skills was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.
“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson says the young Pollock provides a unique enthusiasm. Does he know an individual like him? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”
The player's spectacular score against the Irish side previously showcased his unusual ability, but a few of his expressive on-field actions have brought allegations of overconfidence.
“On occasion comes across as cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is not taking the piss the whole time. Tactically he has input – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and good fun within the team.”
Hardly any managers would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Vesty.
“Together share an inquisitiveness around different things,” he explains. “We maintain a literary circle. He aims to discover various elements, wants to know each detail, wants to experience different things, and I believe I’m the alike.
“We discuss many topics away from the game: films, books, ideas, culture. When we faced Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”
One more date in Gall is coming up: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be temporary because the continental event takes over shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Bulls travel to soon after.
“I won't be overconfident to the extent to {