Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’
This English town may not be the most tropical location globally, but its squad delivers plenty of romance and adventure.
In a city famous for boot‑making, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.
Despite embodying a quintessentially English town, they display a panache synonymous with the greatest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.
From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the Champions Cup – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final before that.
They sit atop the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for multiple clubs altogether, had long intended to be a trainer.
“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “However as you age, you understand how much you love the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”
Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a position at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson manages a roster progressively packed with global stars: prominent figures were selected for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a profound impact as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, eventually, will assume the fly-half role.
Is the rise of this outstanding group due to the club's environment, or is it luck?
“It's a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a group is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so gifted.”
Dowson also mentions his predecessor, another predecessor at their stadium, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I manage individuals.”
The team play attractive football, which became obvious in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman notched a hat-trick. He admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.
“An associate rang me and stated: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He’s looking for experience, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Belleau and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.
“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson comments the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a unique energy. Has he encountered anyone comparable? “No,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but he is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”
The player's sensational try against the Irish side previously demonstrated his freakish talent, but some of his expressive on-field behavior have brought claims of overconfidence.
“On occasion seems cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Pollock is not joking around all the time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel on occasion it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”
Not many managers would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Vesty.
“We both possess an inquisitiveness regarding various topics,” he notes. “We have a reading group. He aims to discover everything, aims to learn all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I feel like I’m the similar.
“We talk about numerous things outside the sport: movies, literature, concepts, culture. When we met the Parisian club previously, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”
One more match in the French nation is approaching: The Saints' return with the Prem will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over soon. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.
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