Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town isn't exactly the most tropical spot in the world, but its squad delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.
In a town renowned for footwear manufacturing, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues choose to keep ball in hand.
Although representing a distinctly UK town, they showcase a panache typical of the finest French masters of attacking rugby.
From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and gone deep in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.
They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on the weekend as the just one without a loss, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 elite games for multiple clubs in total, consistently aimed to be a coach.
“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the real world looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”
Discussions with club legends led to a position at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson guides a roster increasingly packed with internationals: key individuals were selected for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.
Is the emergence of this outstanding group because of the club's environment, or is it chance?
“It is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so talented.”
Dowson also mentions Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he says. “Jim had a significant influence on my career, my management style, how I interact with people.”
Saints play entertaining rugby, which became obvious in the case of the French fly-half. The import was part of the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman registered a hat-trick. The player admired the style enough to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.
“A mate called me and stated: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my mate told me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.
“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be coached, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson says the 20-year-old the flanker brings a unique enthusiasm. Does he know anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson responds. “All players are original but he is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”
Pollock’s breathtaking try against Leinster in the past campaign showcased his freakish talent, but some of his animated on-field actions have led to accusations of cockiness.
“At times seems overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s being serious the whole time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and good fun within the team.”
Not many coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with his co-coach.
“Sam and I have an curiosity around different things,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He aims to discover everything, wants to know each detail, wants to experience different things, and I believe I’m the alike.
“We talk about many things away from rugby: movies, literature, ideas, art. When we played the Parisian club last year, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”
Another date in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be brief because the European tournament takes over soon. The French side, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team travel to soon after.
“I refuse to be overconfident enough to {