Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic spot on the planet, but its squad delivers an abundance of romance and adventure.
In a place famous for boot‑making, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ primary strategy. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to retain possession.
Despite playing for a typically British town, they showcase a panache synonymous with the finest French masters of champagne rugby.
After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – beaten by a French side in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.
They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the just one without a loss, seeking a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight matches for various teams combined, consistently aimed to be a trainer.
“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you mature, you understand how much you enjoy the game, and what the real world looks like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing a trial period. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was tough – you grasp what you possess and lack.”
Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a role at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson leads a roster ever more packed with global stars: key individuals lined up for England against the New Zealand two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a significant influence from the replacements in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will take over the fly-half role.
Is the development of this remarkable group attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?
“It is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a collective is certainly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so talented.”
Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he adds. “He had a major effect on my career, my management style, how I manage individuals.”
Saints demonstrate attractive rugby, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in April when the winger notched a triple. He was impressed sufficiently to go against the flow of English talent moving to France.
“A mate rang me and stated: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He desires experience, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.
“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson states the emerging Henry Pollock offers a particular enthusiasm. Has he coached a player similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are individual but he is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”
The player's sensational score against the Irish side in the past campaign showcased his exceptional ability, but some of his demonstrative during matches actions have resulted in accusations of arrogance.
“He sometimes appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence in the squad.”
Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.
“Sam and I share an curiosity around different things,” he explains. “We maintain a literary circle. He wants to see everything, aims to learn everything, wants to experience different things, and I feel like I’m the alike.
“We converse on lots of topics beyond the game: films, reading, thoughts, creativity. When we played the Parisian club last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
Another date in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be temporary because the European tournament intervenes shortly. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the South African team visit a week later.
“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {