Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic destination globally, but its squad delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.
In a city known for boot‑making, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold prefer to retain possession.
Although playing for a quintessentially English location, they exhibit a style associated with the finest French practitioners of champagne rugby.
After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.
They sit atop the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on matchday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a trainer.
“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you love the sport, and what the real world looks like. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”
Discussions with club legends culminated in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson leads a squad progressively filled with internationals: key individuals lined up for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.
Is the rise of this remarkable generation because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?
“It is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so united and so gifted.”
Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he says. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with people.”
Saints demonstrate attractive rugby, which was clearly evident in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the opposing team overcome in the continental tournament in the spring when Freeman scored a hat-trick. The player admired the style enough to reverse the trend of UK players joining Top 14 sides.
“A friend called me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He wants experience, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my mate told me. That caught my attention. We met with Belleau and his language skills was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.
“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson says the emerging Pollock offers a unique vitality. Has he encountered anyone comparable? “Never,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”
The player's breathtaking touchdown against Leinster in the past campaign showcased his freakish talent, but a few of his animated in-game antics have brought claims of overconfidence.
“At times seems arrogant in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus he's being serious all the time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”
Few managers would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with his co-coach.
“Sam and I share an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he explains. “We maintain a reading group. He desires to explore everything, aims to learn all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the same.
“We talk about many topics outside rugby: cinema, reading, concepts, creativity. When we played the Parisian club last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”
Another match in France is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes shortly. Pau, in the foothills of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Bulls arrive at soon after.
“I refuse to be arrogant enough to {