Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton may not be the most exotic destination in the world, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of thrills and drama.
In a place renowned for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under leader Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues opt to run with the ball.
Despite embodying a distinctly UK community, they showcase a flair typical of the greatest French masters of champagne rugby.
From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and progressed well in the Champions Cup – beaten by a French side in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final before that.
They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and travel to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for multiple clubs altogether, had long intended to be a coach.
“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “But as you mature, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the real world is like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you grasp what you have going for you.”
Discussions with club legends culminated in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a squad increasingly packed with global stars: key individuals were selected for the Red Rose versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s successful series while the fly-half, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.
Is the rise of this outstanding group attributable to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?
“This is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a group is definitely one of the factors they are so close-knit and so talented.”
Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be coached by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he adds. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my professional journey, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”
Northampton execute attractive rugby, which became obvious in the example of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the Champions Cup in April when the winger registered a hat-trick. The player admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of English talent moving to France.
“A friend rang me and stated: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We don’t have budget for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He desires a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my contact said. That caught my attention. We spoke to him and his communication was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.
“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be trained, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson states the emerging Henry Pollock provides a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone comparable? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but he is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”
His spectacular touchdown against the Irish side last season illustrated his exceptional talent, but various his demonstrative in-game antics have resulted in accusations of arrogance.
“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and great to have to have around.”
Not many managers would claim to have sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.
“Sam and I possess an interest about various topics,” he explains. “We run a literary circle. He aims to discover all aspects, wants to know everything, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the alike.
“We talk about many subjects outside the sport: movies, books, thoughts, creativity. When we played our French rivals last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
One more match in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be temporary because the continental event kicks in shortly. Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are up first on the coming weekend before the South African team travel to the following weekend.
“I’m not going to be overconfident enough to {
