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

Northampton is hardly the most glamorous location in the world, but its rugby union team provides plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town renowned for footwear manufacturing, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under leader Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a quintessentially English community, they display a flair associated with the best French exponents of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have secured the English top flight and advanced far in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash earlier.

They currently top the league standings after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight fixtures for multiple clubs combined, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was challenging – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with club legends led to a role at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson guides a team increasingly crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable cohort due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is definitely one of the reasons they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he says. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I interact with others.”

The team play appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team beaten in the continental tournament in April when the winger registered a hat-trick. He liked what he saw enough to buck the pattern of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate called me and said: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We don’t have budget for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact informed me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Anthony and his communication was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Henry Pollock brings a unique energy. Does he know a player comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Each person is unique but he is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

His sensational touchdown against Leinster in the past campaign showcased his exceptional ability, but some of his animated during matches actions have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“He sometimes seems cocky in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I believe sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”

Hardly any managers would claim to have having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Vesty.

“Together possess an interest around different things,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He wants to see everything, seeks to understand each detail, wants to experience varied activities, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We converse on many things beyond the game: films, reading, concepts, art. When we faced the Parisian club previously, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more match in France is approaching: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the European tournament intervenes next week. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the South African team travel to a week later.

“I refuse to be presumptuous enough to {