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

Northampton is hardly the most exotic location in the world, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a place famous for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold prefer to retain possession.

Despite embodying a distinctly UK location, they showcase a style typical of the finest French exponents of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash earlier.

They lead the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite fixtures for various teams combined, always planned to be a coach.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “However as you mature, you realise how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment is like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a job at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson leads a team progressively packed with internationals: prominent figures were selected for England versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this exceptional group due to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he adds. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my career, my coaching, how I deal with people.”

The team execute attractive rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The import was involved with the opposing team beaten in the European competition in last season when the winger notched a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to go against the flow of English talent moving to France.

“An associate called me and said: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no budget for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That interested me. We had a conversation with Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Pollock provides a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached anyone like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

The player's breathtaking touchdown against their opponents last season demonstrated his freakish ability, but some of his animated in-game antics have led to accusations of cockiness.

“At times appears cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss the whole time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel sometimes it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”

Few directors of rugby would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I share an curiosity around various topics,” he explains. “We have a reading group. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know all there is, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We converse on many subjects outside rugby: films, reading, ideas, art. When we faced our French rivals in the past season, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

One more date in France is approaching: The Saints' return with the English competition will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team arrive at soon after.

“I won't be presumptuous to the extent to {