Northampton Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’
This English town isn't exactly the most tropical location in the world, but its squad delivers an abundance of romance and adventure.
In a town known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to run with the ball.
Even though embodying a quintessentially English location, they showcase a panache synonymous with the finest French masters of champagne rugby.
From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.
They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on matchday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, had long intended to be a manager.
“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “But as you mature, you realise how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was tough – you see what you do and don’t have.”
Conversations with former mentors led to a position at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson manages a squad increasingly filled with national team players: key individuals were selected for England versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a significant influence from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.
Is the emergence of this remarkable cohort due to the team's ethos, or is it chance?
“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”
Dowson also mentions his predecessor, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he notes. “Jim had a significant influence on my career, my coaching, how I interact with people.”
Saints play attractive football, which became obvious in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. The player admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.
“An associate called me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We lack the funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He wants new challenges, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We had a conversation with Belleau and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.
“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be coached, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson comments the young Henry Pollock provides a unique energy. Has he encountered anyone comparable? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”
His spectacular touchdown against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his exceptional ability, but a few of his expressive during matches actions have resulted in accusations of cockiness.
“He sometimes seems arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “And Henry’s being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and great to have within the team.”
Not many coaches would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.
“Together share an inquisitiveness about different things,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He wants to see everything, wants to know all there is, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the same.
“We talk about many subjects beyond rugby: films, literature, thoughts, art. When we faced our French rivals previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”
One more date in Gall is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the Champions Cup kicks in shortly. The French side, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the South African team travel to the following weekend.
“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {