Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town is hardly the most glamorous location globally, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of thrills and drama.
In a town known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.
Even though representing a quintessentially English town, they exhibit a flair synonymous with the finest French masters of champagne rugby.
Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have won the English top flight and advanced far in the European competition – beaten by a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by Leinster in a semi-final previously.
They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Bristol on Saturday as the just one without a loss, seeking a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for various teams combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.
“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you mature, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the everyday life entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”
Discussions with former mentors led to a position at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson guides a team increasingly crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.
Is the emergence of this exceptional generation attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?
“It's a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so gifted.”
Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he notes. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”
The team play entertaining football, which was clearly evident in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in April when Tommy Freeman notched a triple. He was impressed to such an extent to go against the flow of English talent heading across the Channel.
“A mate phoned me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He wants new challenges, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We met with him and his language skills was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.
“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson states the emerging the flanker provides a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s fearless to be authentic.”
Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against Leinster in the past campaign illustrated his unusual ability, but a few of his demonstrative in-game actions have brought claims of overconfidence.
“He sometimes seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “And Henry’s being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think at times it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”
Not many directors of rugby would claim to have having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with his co-coach.
“Sam and I share an interest regarding diverse subjects,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He wants to see all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I believe I’m the same.
“We discuss lots of topics outside the game: movies, books, concepts, culture. When we played our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”
Another match in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup intervenes next week. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Pretoria-based club visit the following weekend.
“I won't be overconfident to the extent to {
