Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’

This English town may not be the most glamorous location on the planet, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Although representing a typically British location, they showcase a style typical of the best Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have won the English top flight and progressed well in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a penultimate round earlier.

They currently top the league standings after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you get older, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the real world is like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing work experience. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with club legends culminated in a position at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster increasingly crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the Red Rose versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s successful series while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the fly-half role.

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

“It is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my management style, how I manage people.”

Saints execute attractive rugby, which was clearly evident in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the European competition in last season when Freeman scored a triple. The player liked what he saw sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players moving to France.

“An associate called me and said: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the possibility to test himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We met with Anthony and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the French league. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Henry Pollock provides a specific energy. Has he coached a player like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against the Irish side previously demonstrated his unusual skill, but some of his expressive in-game actions have brought allegations of cockiness.

“On occasion appears arrogant in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus he's not taking the piss the whole time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think sometimes it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence in the squad.”

Hardly any managers would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with his co-coach.

“Together share an inquisitiveness about various topics,” he explains. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous subjects outside the sport: movies, literature, concepts, creativity. When we played our French rivals in the past season, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

A further match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

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