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

Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic destination on the planet, but its club delivers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a city known for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues choose to retain possession.

Even though embodying a distinctly UK location, they showcase a panache associated with the best French practitioners of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and gone deep in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round earlier.

They currently top the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the just one without a loss, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight matches for various teams in total, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “However as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the everyday life is like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a position at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson leads a roster ever more packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, down the line, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this outstanding generation because of the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“It's a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a group is definitely one of the reasons they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage individuals.”

The team execute appealing the game, which was clearly evident in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was part of the Clermont XV overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when the winger registered a triple. The player was impressed enough to go against the flow of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate called me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We lack the money for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my mate said. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his English was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging the flanker brings a particular energy. Has he coached a player like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

His sensational try against Leinster previously demonstrated his freakish skill, but some of his animated in-game actions have resulted in allegations of cockiness.

“At times seems arrogant in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “And he's being serious constantly. Tactically he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any managers would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Together possess an curiosity around various topics,” he says. “We maintain a reading group. He aims to discover everything, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience different things, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We talk about many subjects away from the game: movies, reading, concepts, culture. When we played the Parisian club in the past season, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more fixture in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be brief because the continental event takes over next week. Pau, in the foothills of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant sufficiently to {