Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town isn't exactly the most exotic destination in the world, but its squad provides a great deal of romance and adventure.
In a city known for boot‑making, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold prefer to retain possession.
Even though playing for a typically British community, they showcase a style typical of the best Gallic masters of expansive play.
Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.
They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to their West Country rivals on matchday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight games for multiple clubs altogether, had long intended to be a manager.
“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the game, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was tough – you see what you do and don’t have.”
Talks with former mentors culminated in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a squad increasingly packed with internationals: key individuals were selected for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.
Is the development of this remarkable group because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?
“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so tight and so gifted.”
Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I manage others.”
Northampton demonstrate appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the instance of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was a member of the French club overcome in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. He liked what he saw enough to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.
“A mate called me and remarked: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He’s looking for experience, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact said. That interested me. We had a conversation with him and his English was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.
“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Has he coached a player like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”
His sensational score against Leinster last season showcased his freakish talent, but a few of his expressive during matches antics have led to accusations of overconfidence.
“At times seems overconfident in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus he's being serious constantly. Tactically he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have to have around.”
Hardly any coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Vesty.
“Together possess an interest regarding different things,” he says. “We run a book club. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know everything, wants to experience different things, and I feel like I’m the same.
“We talk about many topics away from rugby: cinema, books, concepts, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] in the past season, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
A further fixture in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be short-lived because the continental event takes over soon. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the Bulls travel to a week later.
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