Northampton Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous destination on the planet, but its rugby union team provides plenty of thrills and drama.
In a city known for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors opt to keep ball in hand.
Despite playing for a distinctly UK location, they showcase a style synonymous with the finest Gallic masters of champagne rugby.
From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash before that.
They currently top the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, chasing a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier matches for various teams combined, had long intended to be a manager.
“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you age, you understand how much you love the game, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was tough – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”
Conversations with club legends led to a job at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson leads a team increasingly crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the national side versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a major effect off the bench in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the pivotal position.
Is the rise of this exceptional group attributable to the team's ethos, or is it luck?
“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so united and so skilled.”
Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by really interesting people,” he says. “Jim had a significant influence on my rugby life, my training methods, how I interact with others.”
The team demonstrate attractive football, which proved literally true in the instance of the French fly-half. The import was involved with the opposing team overcome in the European competition in April when the winger notched a three tries. The player was impressed enough to go against the flow of British stars moving to France.
“A mate rang me and stated: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my contact said. That interested me. We met with him and his language skills was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.
“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and away from the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson comments the emerging Henry Pollock brings a specific vitality. Has he coached an individual like him? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s not afraid to be himself.”
His spectacular touchdown against their opponents last season showcased his unusual skill, but various his animated in-game actions have brought accusations of overconfidence.
“At times appears cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “And he's not joking around constantly. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and great to have within the team.”
Hardly any directors of rugby would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Sam Vesty.
“Sam and I possess an curiosity about different things,” he explains. “We maintain a literary circle. He aims to discover everything, aims to learn everything, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.
“We discuss lots of subjects outside the sport: cinema, literature, concepts, art. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”
A further match in Gall is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be short-lived because the European tournament takes over shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Bulls visit the following weekend.
“I won't be overconfident sufficiently to {
