Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘My Bank Job Was a Real Challenge’

Northampton is hardly the most tropical spot globally, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for boot‑making, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Although embodying a distinctly UK location, they display a panache associated with the best Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have won the English top flight and advanced far in the Champions Cup – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite fixtures for multiple clubs altogether, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you love the sport, and what the everyday life is like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was challenging – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with former mentors resulted in a job at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson leads a roster increasingly filled with internationals: prominent figures were selected for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this remarkable cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“This is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be guided by really interesting individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Saints execute appealing football, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the continental tournament in last season when the winger scored a triple. The player liked what he saw to such an extent to buck the pattern of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We lack the money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We spoke to Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging the flanker provides a particular vitality. Has he coached a player like him? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

The player's sensational try against Leinster in the past campaign illustrated his unusual talent, but various his demonstrative during matches behavior have brought allegations of cockiness.

“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore he's not joking around the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any managers would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Vesty.

“We both share an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he notes. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore everything, aims to learn all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about lots of subjects away from the game: movies, reading, thoughts, creativity. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more date in France is coming up: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup intervenes shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to the following weekend.

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