Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘My Bank Job Was a Real Challenge’
Northampton may not be the most exotic spot in the world, but its club provides an abundance of romance and adventure.
In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to retain possession.
Although representing a distinctly UK community, they showcase a panache typical of the greatest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.
After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a semi-final before that.
They sit atop the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, seeking a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight games for multiple clubs altogether, always planned to be a coach.
“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the normal employment entails. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”
Discussions with club legends led to a role at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson leads a squad progressively packed with national team players: key individuals lined up for England against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.
Is the development of this remarkable cohort due to the club's environment, or is it chance?
“It is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a unit is certainly one of the reasons they are so tight and so gifted.”
Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”
The team execute attractive the game, which was clearly evident in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman notched a hat-trick. The player liked what he saw enough to buck the pattern of British stars joining Top 14 sides.
“A friend rang me and stated: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘There's no money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my mate informed me. That interested me. We spoke to Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.
“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the French league. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson comments the emerging Pollock offers a unique vitality. Has he encountered anyone similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s not afraid to be himself.”
His sensational touchdown against their opponents previously showcased his unusual skill, but a few of his demonstrative on-field antics have brought accusations of arrogance.
“He sometimes appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Plus he's not joking around the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think on occasion it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and great to have within the team.”
Few coaches would describe themselves as having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.
“We both share an interest regarding various topics,” he says. “We run a book club. He desires to explore all aspects, wants to know each detail, wants to experience different things, and I believe I’m the similar.
“We discuss numerous topics outside rugby: movies, literature, concepts, culture. When we played our French rivals previously, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
One more date in the French nation is looming: The Saints' return with the English competition will be brief because the European tournament intervenes soon. The French side, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club travel to a week later.
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