Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’

This English town may not be the most glamorous destination globally, but its club provides an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's primary strategy. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues choose to retain possession.

Despite representing a distinctly UK location, they showcase a panache synonymous with the finest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and knocked out by Leinster in a last-four clash previously.

They lead the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to their West Country rivals on matchday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you get older, you understand 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 make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you see what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson leads a roster increasingly filled with global stars: key individuals started for England versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, in time, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this outstanding group due to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It's a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the causes they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting people,” he adds. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

Northampton demonstrate entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was a member of the French club defeated in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman notched a hat-trick. He admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend rang me and remarked: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We lack the funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the French league. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the young Pollock brings a particular energy. Has he coached an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against Leinster in the past campaign illustrated his exceptional skill, but various his expressive during matches actions have led to accusations of cockiness.

“At times seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s no fool. I feel sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence within the team.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Vesty.

“Sam and I have an curiosity regarding various topics,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore everything, seeks to understand each detail, wants to experience different things, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We converse on numerous topics away from rugby: films, literature, concepts, culture. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' return with the Prem will be brief because the Champions Cup kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {