Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’
Northampton is hardly the most tropical spot in the world, but its club provides plenty of excitement and passion.
In a town famous for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to retain possession.
Even though representing a distinctly UK community, they showcase a panache typical of the best French masters of expansive play.
From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a semi-final earlier.
They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.
It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for various teams combined, had long intended to be a manager.
“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you get older, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the everyday life entails. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing a trial period. You do the commute a few times, and it was challenging – you see what you do and don’t have.”
Discussions with former mentors culminated in a position at Northampton. Move forward eight years and Dowson guides a team progressively filled with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for England versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a major effect off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, eventually, will take over the fly-half role.
Is the development of this outstanding cohort due to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?
“It is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a unit is definitely one of the reasons they are so tight and so skilled.”
Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he notes. “He had a big impact on my career, my training methods, how I interact with individuals.”
Northampton demonstrate attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was part of the opposing team beaten in the Champions Cup in April when the winger registered a three tries. Belleau admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.
“A friend rang me and remarked: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He wants experience, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.
“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the French league. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson says the emerging the flanker brings a specific energy. Has he encountered an individual comparable? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”
Pollock’s sensational try against the Irish side in the past campaign demonstrated his exceptional talent, but some of his demonstrative on-field actions have resulted in accusations of overconfidence.
“At times comes across as overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “And he's being serious all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s no fool. I believe sometimes it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”
Not many coaches would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.
“Together possess an interest around diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a reading group. He aims to discover all aspects, seeks to understand all there is, wants to experience different things, and I think I’m the similar.
“We talk about lots of subjects away from rugby: films, reading, ideas, creativity. When we faced our French rivals in the past season, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”
Another date in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be temporary because the European tournament intervenes shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to a week later.
“I’m not going to be presumptuous enough to {