Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town may not be the most glamorous location in the world, but its rugby union team provides plenty of romance and adventure.
In a city known for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.
Even though playing for a quintessentially English community, they display a style typical of the best Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.
After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have won the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash before that.
They lead the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on the weekend as the just one without a loss, chasing a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite matches for multiple clubs altogether, always planned to be a manager.
“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the everyday life is like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was challenging – you grasp what you have going for you.”
Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a role at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a team increasingly filled with global stars: prominent figures lined up for the national side versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a major effect off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.
Is the emergence of this exceptional group because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?
“It is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is certainly one of the reasons they are so tight and so skilled.”
Dowson also mentions his predecessor, another predecessor at the club's home, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting people,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with people.”
Northampton execute attractive the game, which became obvious in the case of Anthony Belleau. The import was part of the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman scored a triple. The player was impressed enough to go against the flow of English talent moving to France.
“An associate phoned me and stated: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We lack the budget for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend told me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.
“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson states the emerging Pollock brings a unique energy. Has he coached a player comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are individual but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”
Pollock’s sensational touchdown against Leinster previously demonstrated his unusual skill, but various his expressive in-game behavior have led to accusations of overconfidence.
“At times comes across as overconfident in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I believe sometimes it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”
Hardly any directors of rugby would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with his co-coach.
“Sam and I have an inquisitiveness regarding different things,” he notes. “We have a reading group. He aims to discover everything, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience varied activities, and I feel like I’m the alike.
“We converse on numerous topics beyond the game: cinema, reading, thoughts, culture. When we played our French rivals previously, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”
One more match in France is coming up: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be temporary because the European tournament kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are up first on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club visit the following weekend.
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