Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic location on the planet, but its squad delivers plenty of romance and adventure.
In a place famous for boot‑making, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ main approach. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to run with the ball.
Despite playing for a typically British town, they showcase a flair synonymous with the greatest Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.
After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the continental tournament – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.
They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite games for various teams altogether, had long intended to be a manager.
“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the everyday life is like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”
Discussions with club legends led to a job at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson guides a squad ever more crammed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for England versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the pivotal position.
Is the development of this outstanding generation due to the team's ethos, or is it luck?
“It's a mix of each,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a unit is certainly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so skilled.”
Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be coached by exceptionally insightful people,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage individuals.”
Saints demonstrate entertaining football, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The import was a member of the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in April when Tommy Freeman registered a hat-trick. The player was impressed enough to go against the flow of British stars joining Top 14 sides.
“A friend rang me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his language skills was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.
“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”
Dowson comments the young the flanker provides a unique vitality. Does he know anyone similar? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s unique but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”
Pollock’s sensational touchdown against their opponents last season illustrated his unusual talent, but a few of his demonstrative during matches antics have resulted in allegations of arrogance.
“He sometimes comes across as overconfident in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And Pollock is not taking the piss all the time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I believe on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and good fun to have around.”
Few managers would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Vesty.
“Sam and I have an inquisitiveness regarding different things,” he notes. “We run a book club. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I think I’m the same.
“We converse on lots of things beyond the game: cinema, reading, ideas, art. When we played our French rivals previously, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”
One more match in France is approaching: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be short-lived because the European tournament kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Bulls arrive at a week later.
“I’m not going to be overconfident sufficiently to {
