Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton may not be the most tropical location globally, but its rugby union team offers an abundance of excitement and passion.
In a city known for boot‑making, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.
Despite representing a distinctly UK town, they exhibit a flair associated with the finest French practitioners of champagne rugby.
From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the European competition – beaten by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash earlier.
They sit atop the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.
It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a trainer.
“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the game, and what the everyday life entails. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”
Talks with former mentors led to a role at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson manages a team progressively filled with national team players: key individuals started for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the fly-half role.
Is the development of this remarkable cohort due to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?
“It is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a collective is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so skilled.”
Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting people,” he says. “Mallinder had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage people.”
Northampton play entertaining rugby, which became obvious in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was a member of the French club beaten in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman notched a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.
“A mate rang me and said: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘There's no budget for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with him and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a funny side.
“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson comments the 20-year-old the flanker offers a unique energy. Has he coached an individual similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but he is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”
The player's spectacular try against the Irish side last season illustrated his freakish skill, but a few of his animated on-field behavior have led to claims of arrogance.
“He sometimes comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's not joking around the whole time. Game-wise he has input – he’s a smart player. I believe on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have to have around.”
Not many managers would admit to having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.
“Sam and I possess an interest regarding different things,” he explains. “We maintain a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, aims to learn everything, wants to experience different things, and I feel like I’m the similar.
“We converse on lots of topics beyond the sport: films, books, ideas, culture. When we faced the Parisian club previously, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”
Another match in the French nation is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup takes over soon. Pau, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls travel to a week later.
“I won't be overconfident sufficiently to {