Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’
This English town may not be the most exotic spot globally, but its club delivers plenty of romance and adventure.
In a city famous for boot‑making, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues prefer to keep ball in hand.
Although playing for a quintessentially English location, they exhibit a style associated with the finest French exponents of champagne rugby.
After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – beaten by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash earlier.
They lead the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.
It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for multiple clubs in total, consistently aimed to be a coach.
“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you mature, you realise how much you love the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You do the commute a few times, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”
Discussions with former mentors resulted in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson guides a team ever more crammed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.
Is the rise of this outstanding cohort because of the team's ethos, or is it luck?
“It is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so united and so gifted.”
Dowson also mentions Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my career, my training methods, how I deal with others.”
Northampton play attractive rugby, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was involved with the French club beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when Freeman registered a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style enough to reverse the trend of English talent moving to France.
“A friend phoned me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He wants new challenges, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We spoke to him and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.
“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson comments the 20-year-old Henry Pollock provides a specific energy. Has he coached an individual similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be himself.”
His breathtaking touchdown against their opponents previously showcased his unusual skill, but various his demonstrative in-game actions have brought claims of cockiness.
“He sometimes seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Pollock is not taking the piss the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and good fun within the team.”
Few coaches would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Vesty.
“Sam and I have an curiosity about different things,” he says. “We run a book club. He wants to see everything, wants to know all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.
“We discuss many subjects away from the sport: cinema, books, ideas, creativity. When we played Stade [Français] previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”
One more date in France is looming: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be brief because the continental event kicks in shortly. Pau, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Bulls arrive at soon after.
“I’m not going to be overconfident enough to {
