Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘My Bank Job Was a Real Challenge’

Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical location in the world, but its squad offers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Even though playing for a typically British community, they exhibit a style typical of the best Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and advanced far in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a semi-final earlier.

They lead the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and travel to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight matches for various teams combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you age, you realise how much you love the game, and what the normal employment is like. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was tough – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at Northampton. Move forward eight years and Dowson guides a team progressively crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this outstanding cohort because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It's a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “Jim had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with others.”

The team play attractive football, which was clearly evident in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV beaten in the European competition in last season when Freeman notched a triple. The player admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of English talent moving to France.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my mate informed me. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his communication was excellent, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be trained, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the young the flanker offers a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered an individual similar? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against the Irish side in the past campaign demonstrated his unusual skill, but a few of his animated on-field behavior have led to allegations of cockiness.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's not taking the piss the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence in the squad.”

Hardly any managers would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I have an interest about different things,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore everything, wants to know everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous subjects away from the sport: films, books, concepts, art. When we played our French rivals previously, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another date in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club arrive at the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {