Northampton 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 rugby union team delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.
In a city renowned for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.
Even though representing a distinctly UK community, they exhibit a style associated with the best Gallic masters of champagne rugby.
From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – losing to their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash before that.
They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, had long intended to be a trainer.
“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the normal employment entails. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was challenging – you grasp what you have going for you.”
Conversations with former mentors resulted in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a team increasingly crammed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.
Is the emergence of this outstanding group due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?
“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a unit is certainly one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”
Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my training methods, how I deal with individuals.”
The team demonstrate attractive rugby, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team beaten in the European competition in last season when Freeman notched a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw enough to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.
“A friend called me and stated: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We don’t have budget for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He wants a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Anthony and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.
“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, 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 specific energy. Has he coached anyone like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “Each person is individual but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”
His sensational score against their opponents last season showcased his exceptional talent, but some of his expressive in-game behavior have led to accusations of cockiness.
“At times appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and a positive influence within the team.”
Not many coaches would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.
“Together have an curiosity about diverse subjects,” he explains. “We run a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, aims to learn all there is, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the same.
“We discuss lots of subjects outside the sport: films, reading, ideas, culture. When we faced the Parisian club last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”
Another date in Gall is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.
“I’m not going to be presumptuous enough to {
