Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town is hardly the most glamorous destination in the world, but its rugby union team offers an abundance of thrills and drama.
In a city known for boot‑making, you might expect boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues prefer to keep ball in hand.
Even though playing for a distinctly UK community, they display a panache associated with the finest Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.
Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final earlier.
They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on the weekend 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 top-flight games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.
“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you mature, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the real world is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing a trial period. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”
Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson leads a squad increasingly crammed with global stars: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.
Is the emergence of this outstanding group due to the team's ethos, or is it luck?
“It is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is certainly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so skilled.”
Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “He had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I interact with people.”
The team play attractive football, which was clearly evident in the example of the French fly-half. The import was involved with the French club defeated in the European competition in the spring when the winger registered a hat-trick. He admired the style enough to reverse the trend of British stars joining Top 14 sides.
“A friend phoned me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my mate informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his language skills was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.
“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be trained, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the French league. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson comments the 20-year-old the flanker brings a specific energy. Does he know a player similar? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”
His spectacular touchdown against their opponents previously illustrated his exceptional talent, but some of his demonstrative in-game behavior have led to accusations of overconfidence.
“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's being serious constantly. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence to have around.”
Hardly any coaches would describe themselves as having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Vesty.
“Sam and I share an inquisitiveness regarding various topics,” he says. “We run a book club. He wants to see all aspects, wants to know all there is, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.
“We talk about many topics away from rugby: movies, books, ideas, culture. When we met the Parisian club previously, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”
One more fixture in France is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be short-lived because the European tournament intervenes next week. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club visit a week later.
“I refuse to be presumptuous sufficiently to {