Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’

This English town is hardly the most glamorous location in the world, but its squad provides plenty of romance and adventure.

In a place renowned for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a distinctly UK town, they showcase a panache typical of the best French masters of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.

They lead the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “But as you mature, you understand how much you enjoy the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a team increasingly crammed with internationals: key individuals started for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while Fin Smith, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this exceptional cohort because of the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“This is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he notes. “Mallinder had a major effect on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage people.”

The team execute entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was a member of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in April when the winger notched a triple. Belleau liked what he saw enough to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact told me. That caught my attention. We met with Belleau and his language skills was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock offers a unique vitality. Has he encountered an individual comparable? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s individual but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His spectacular score against Leinster last season showcased his freakish skill, but various his demonstrative on-field antics have brought accusations of arrogance.

“At times appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has input – he’s no fool. I feel on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”

Not many coaches would admit to having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with his co-coach.

“We both possess an curiosity around various topics,” he says. “We have a book club. He wants to see all aspects, seeks to understand everything, wants to experience different things, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on many subjects outside the game: movies, literature, concepts, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] in the past season, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

One more match in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be brief because the European tournament intervenes soon. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Bulls visit a week later.

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