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

Northampton is hardly the most exotic destination globally, but its club offers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Although playing for a typically British community, they showcase a panache typical of the best Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and ousted by Leinster in a semi-final before that.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 premier fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “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 a trial period. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with former mentors led to a job at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a team increasingly filled with national team players: key individuals lined up for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this remarkable cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It's a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is certainly one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “Mallinder had a major effect on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

Northampton demonstrate appealing the game, which proved literally true in the case of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV beaten in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman registered a three tries. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to go against the flow of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A friend phoned me and stated: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his language skills was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be trained, to be pushed, 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 proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Henry Pollock offers a specific energy. Has he coached a player like him? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are original but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

Pollock’s breathtaking score against the Irish side in the past campaign showcased his unusual talent, but some of his animated in-game behavior have brought claims of cockiness.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s not joking around the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have to have around.”

Not many managers would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Together have an interest regarding various topics,” he says. “We maintain a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of things beyond the game: movies, books, ideas, art. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the domestic league will be temporary because the European tournament takes over shortly. The French side, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

“I’m not going to be arrogant sufficiently to {