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

Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous destination in the world, but its rugby union team offers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for shoe production, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ primary strategy. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues prefer to run with the ball.

Even though embodying a typically British town, they exhibit a flair associated with the greatest French masters of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.

They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on Saturday as the just one without a loss, chasing a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, always planned to be a coach.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “But as you get older, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the normal employment is like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with club legends led to a position at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson leads a team ever more crammed with national team players: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, in time, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this outstanding group because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my training methods, how I deal with people.”

Northampton play attractive the game, which proved literally true in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was part of the French club beaten in the Champions Cup in April when the winger registered a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with him and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging the flanker brings a unique vitality. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “All players are original but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

The player's sensational score against Leinster last season illustrated his exceptional skill, but a few of his animated on-field antics have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s being serious all the time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Not many managers would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Vesty.

“We both share an curiosity around different things,” he says. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on lots of topics away from the sport: cinema, reading, thoughts, art. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

A further fixture in France is approaching: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be short-lived because the European tournament intervenes shortly. Pau, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at a week later.

“I won't be overconfident to the extent to {