Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town is hardly the most glamorous destination on the planet, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of thrills and drama.
In a place renowned for footwear manufacturing, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.
Although representing a quintessentially English town, they display a panache typical of the finest Gallic masters of champagne rugby.
After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the Champions Cup – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a last-four clash earlier.
They lead the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a coach.
“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “However as you mature, you realise how much you love the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”
Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson leads a team progressively packed with national team players: key individuals started for England against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the pivotal position.
Is the development of this remarkable generation attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?
“It's a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”
Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be guided by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my coaching, how I deal with individuals.”
Saints demonstrate entertaining the game, which became obvious in the case of Anthony Belleau. The import was a member of the French club overcome in the European competition in last season when the winger notched a hat-trick. The player liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.
“An associate called me and stated: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He desires new challenges, for the possibility to test himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We met with Anthony and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.
“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson says the emerging Pollock offers a particular energy. Does he know anyone similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”
Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his unusual skill, but some of his expressive on-field antics have resulted in claims of cockiness.
“On occasion appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Pollock is being serious all the time. Tactically he has input – he’s not a clown. I believe on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”
Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Sam Vesty.
“Sam and I have an curiosity about various topics,” he explains. “We run a book club. He wants to see everything, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the same.
“We converse on many subjects beyond rugby: movies, books, concepts, art. When we faced Stade [Français] in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”
One more match in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup takes over shortly. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club visit the following weekend.
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