Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town may not be the most glamorous spot in the world, but its rugby union team offers plenty of excitement and passion.
In a city known for boot‑making, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to run with the ball.
Despite representing a typically British community, they display a panache typical of the greatest French exponents of champagne rugby.
Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.
They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, seeking a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, consistently aimed to be a manager.
“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you age, you realise how much you love the sport, and what the real world entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”
Talks with former mentors resulted in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a roster increasingly packed with global stars: key individuals started for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will take over the fly-half role.
Is the rise of this remarkable group attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?
“It is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a unit is definitely one of the factors they are so tight and so gifted.”
Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be guided by really interesting people,” he says. “Jim had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”
Northampton execute attractive football, which became obvious in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was part of the Clermont XV overcome in the European competition in April when Freeman notched a triple. The player admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.
“An associate called me and stated: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He’s looking for experience, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We had a conversation with him and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a funny side.
“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson says the young Pollock provides a particular vitality. Has he coached an individual similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s unafraid to be himself.”
Pollock’s spectacular try against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his freakish skill, but various his expressive on-field antics have brought claims of cockiness.
“He sometimes comes across as overconfident in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I feel on occasion it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and good fun within the team.”
Hardly any coaches would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Sam Vesty.
“We both possess an inquisitiveness about various topics,” he notes. “We run a reading group. He desires to explore everything, wants to know each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.
“We talk about many topics outside the sport: cinema, books, thoughts, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”
Another fixture in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be brief because the European tournament kicks in shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club travel to soon after.
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