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

This English town is hardly the most tropical destination globally, but its squad provides plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city known for footwear manufacturing, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's primary strategy. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.

Despite embodying a distinctly UK community, they exhibit a flair typical of the best Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for various teams in total, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “Yet as you age, you realise how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment is like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Talks with club legends led to a job at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a squad ever more filled with national team players: prominent figures lined up for England versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this outstanding generation because of the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by really interesting individuals,” he says. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage people.”

Northampton demonstrate appealing rugby, which proved literally true in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. The player liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate rang me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We lack the funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the possibility to test himself,’ my mate told me. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his communication was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and away from the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Pollock brings a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but he is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s fearless to be himself.”

The player's sensational touchdown against the Irish side previously demonstrated his unusual talent, but a few of his animated on-field behavior have led to allegations of cockiness.

“At times comes across as cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “And Henry’s not joking around all the time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I believe on occasion it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”

Not many managers would claim to have having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an interest around various topics,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We discuss lots of subjects outside rugby: movies, literature, concepts, creativity. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another date in Gall is coming up: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team travel to soon after.

“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {