Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic location on the planet, but its squad delivers a great deal of romance and adventure.
In a city famous for footwear manufacturing, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to retain possession.
Even though embodying a typically British community, they showcase a panache synonymous with the finest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.
From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.
They currently top the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.
“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world is like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you see what you possess and lack.”
Discussions with former mentors led to a role at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson manages a team increasingly filled with national team players: prominent figures were selected for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.
Is the emergence of this exceptional generation attributable to the team's ethos, or is it chance?
“It is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is definitely one of the factors they are so united and so skilled.”
Dowson also cites his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my training methods, how I manage individuals.”
Northampton execute entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the instance of their new signing. The import was part of the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in last season when Tommy Freeman registered a three tries. The player admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of English talent moving to France.
“A mate called me and stated: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We lack the money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his language skills was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.
“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson comments the emerging Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Has he coached a player like him? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s original but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”
His sensational score against their opponents previously demonstrated his freakish talent, but various his expressive during matches antics have brought claims of cockiness.
“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s not joking around the whole time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I think sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and good fun in the squad.”
Hardly any managers would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Sam Vesty.
“We both have an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He aims to discover all aspects, wants to know each detail, desires to try different things, and I feel like I’m the alike.
“We discuss many topics outside the sport: movies, books, thoughts, art. When we played Stade [Français] in the past season, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”
A further match in France is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the European tournament intervenes soon. Pau, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.
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