Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town isn't exactly the most tropical spot on the planet, but its squad provides plenty of romance and adventure.
In a town renowned for boot‑making, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.
Despite representing a distinctly UK community, they display a panache synonymous with the best French masters of champagne rugby.
After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have won the Premiership and progressed well in the Champions Cup – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.
They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, consistently aimed to be a coach.
“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the game, and what the real world is like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was tough – you grasp what you have going for you.”
Talks with club legends resulted in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson leads a team ever more crammed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for England versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.
Is the emergence of this exceptional generation due to the team's ethos, or is it chance?
“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so close-knit and so talented.”
Dowson also mentions his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be guided by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage people.”
Northampton demonstrate attractive football, which was clearly evident in the instance of their new signing. The Frenchman was involved with the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman registered a three tries. He liked what he saw sufficiently to go against the flow of English talent moving to France.
“A mate called me and said: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He desires experience, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Belleau and his language skills was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.
“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the French league. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson says the emerging Pollock provides a unique vitality. Has he coached a player comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s unique but he is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”
His breathtaking score against the Irish side last season illustrated his exceptional skill, but some of his animated in-game actions have resulted in accusations of arrogance.
“At times appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Pollock is being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I believe sometimes it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”
Few managers would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with his co-coach.
“Sam and I have an interest about various topics,” he explains. “We run a reading group. He wants to see various elements, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.
“We discuss lots of topics away from rugby: movies, reading, thoughts, culture. When we met the Parisian club last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
Another date in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be short-lived because the Champions Cup takes over soon. The French side, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are up first on matchday before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.
“I’m not going to be presumptuous sufficiently to {