Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town isn't exactly the most tropical spot globally, but its club provides an abundance of excitement and passion.
In a city famous for boot‑making, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues prefer to retain possession.
Although representing a distinctly UK community, they display a style synonymous with the greatest French masters of attacking rugby.
Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.
They sit atop the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for various teams combined, had long intended to be a trainer.
“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was challenging – you grasp what you have going for you.”
Talks with former mentors resulted in a job at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a roster progressively packed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for England against the All Blacks two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a profound impact as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while Fin Smith, in time, will assume the pivotal position.
Is the emergence of this exceptional cohort attributable to the club's environment, or is it luck?
“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”
Dowson also cites his predecessor, a former boss at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage individuals.”
Saints play entertaining football, which proved literally true in the case of their new signing. The import was involved with the opposing team beaten in the continental tournament in the spring when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. The player was impressed to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players moving to France.
“A friend rang me and stated: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He desires new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate informed me. That caught my attention. We met with Belleau and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.
“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson says the young Henry Pollock offers a specific energy. Has he encountered a player comparable? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”
Pollock’s sensational try against Leinster last season showcased his freakish talent, but various his expressive in-game actions have brought accusations of overconfidence.
“On occasion appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s not a clown. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”
Not many coaches would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.
“We both share an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a reading group. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn everything, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the same.
“We converse on many topics beyond rugby: cinema, literature, ideas, culture. When we faced the Parisian club last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
Another fixture in France is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be brief because the continental event kicks in shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls visit soon after.
“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {
