Northampton Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town may not be the most glamorous spot globally, but its club provides plenty of excitement and passion.
In a town known for boot‑making, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under leader Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.
Although playing for a quintessentially English community, they exhibit a style synonymous with the finest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.
After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and gone deep in the European competition – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.
They lead the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and visit Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a coach.
“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “But as you get older, you comprehend how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment is like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing a trial period. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”
Talks with former mentors culminated in a role at the Saints. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson leads a squad ever more crammed with internationals: key individuals started for the national side facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.
Is the rise of this outstanding generation due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?
“It is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the causes they are so tight and so skilled.”
Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my career, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”
Saints play attractive rugby, which became obvious in the example of the French fly-half. The import was a member of the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in April when the winger notched a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw enough to buck the pattern of British stars moving to France.
“A friend called me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.
“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock brings a unique energy. Has he coached anyone comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s unique but Henry is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”
Pollock’s sensational score against Leinster last season illustrated his exceptional ability, but some of his animated on-field antics have brought allegations of cockiness.
“He sometimes seems overconfident in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Henry’s not joking around constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s not a clown. I feel sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and great to have in the squad.”
Hardly any directors of rugby would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Sam Vesty.
“Sam and I share an interest around various topics,” he notes. “We have a book club. He wants to see everything, seeks to understand all there is, aims to encounter varied activities, and I feel like I’m the alike.
“We converse on many topics away from the game: movies, books, thoughts, culture. When we faced the Parisian club last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”
One more match in Gall is looming: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be brief because the continental event takes over next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.
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