Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘My Bank Job Was a Real Challenge’

Northampton may not be the most tropical destination in the world, but its club delivers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a city famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a distinctly UK location, they exhibit a panache synonymous with the finest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the continental tournament – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash earlier.

They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on the weekend as the just one without a loss, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “However as you get older, you realise how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world is like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing a trial period. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with club legends resulted in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson guides a squad ever more filled with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for England facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s successful series while the number ten, down the line, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable group because of the club's environment, or is it luck?

“This is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he says. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with others.”

The team execute attractive the game, which became obvious in the instance of the French fly-half. The import was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger scored a three tries. He admired the style enough to buck the pattern of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and remarked: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We lack the funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the young the flanker offers a unique energy. Has he coached an individual comparable? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are individual but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s breathtaking score against Leinster previously showcased his freakish talent, but a few of his demonstrative in-game actions have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“He sometimes appears overconfident in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Pollock is not taking the piss constantly. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”

Not many directors of rugby would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Together have an curiosity regarding different things,” he says. “We have a reading group. He aims to discover everything, wants to know each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We discuss numerous subjects outside the sport: movies, literature, thoughts, culture. When we met the Parisian club last year, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more match in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the South African team travel to a week later.

“I’m not going to be overconfident enough to {