Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’

Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous destination on the planet, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a place famous for footwear manufacturing, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors prefer to retain possession.

Despite representing a quintessentially English location, they exhibit a style synonymous with the finest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the English top flight and progressed well in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They lead the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on matchday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for various teams altogether, had long intended to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you realise how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the everyday life is like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you have going for you.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a role at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson manages a squad increasingly filled with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the Red Rose against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this outstanding group due to the team's ethos, or is it luck?

“It's a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I deal with others.”

The team execute appealing football, which was clearly evident in the example of the French fly-half. The import was a member of the French club overcome in the continental tournament in last season when Tommy Freeman notched a triple. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to buck the pattern of British stars moving to France.

“An associate phoned me and remarked: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his language skills was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the young Pollock provides a unique vitality. Has he coached an individual like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s sensational score against the Irish side last season illustrated his exceptional talent, but some of his animated during matches behavior have led to claims of cockiness.

“On occasion appears cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Pollock is being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and good fun in the squad.”

Not many managers would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.

“We both share an inquisitiveness around various topics,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We discuss many things outside rugby: cinema, literature, thoughts, art. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

A further match in France is approaching: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Pretoria-based club visit a week later.

“I refuse to be arrogant sufficiently to {