Northampton Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’
Northampton is hardly the most glamorous destination in the world, but its squad offers plenty of romance and adventure.
In a place known for boot‑making, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to retain possession.
Even though embodying a distinctly UK town, they exhibit a style associated with the finest French masters of attacking rugby.
Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and advanced far in the European competition – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.
They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the just one without a loss, chasing a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for various teams in total, always planned to be a trainer.
“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you age, you comprehend how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you do and don’t have.”
Discussions with former mentors resulted in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a squad ever more packed with national team players: prominent figures lined up for England versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the pivotal position.
Is the development of this exceptional generation because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?
“It's a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so gifted.”
Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be guided by highly engaging individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage people.”
The team execute entertaining football, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The import was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in the spring when the winger notched a three tries. He admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of British stars heading across the Channel.
“A mate called me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have funds for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He desires new challenges, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my friend told me. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his language skills was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.
“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be trained, to be driven, to be in a new environment and beyond the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson states the emerging Pollock provides a unique vitality. Has he encountered a player like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “Each person is unique but he is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”
The player's spectacular try against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his freakish talent, but various his expressive during matches actions have led to allegations of overconfidence.
“At times seems overconfident in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “And he's not joking around all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I think sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”
Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Vesty.
“Together have an interest regarding different things,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He aims to discover all aspects, aims to learn all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the alike.
“We discuss lots of subjects away from rugby: cinema, books, concepts, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”
A further match in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in soon. The French side, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are up first on matchday before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.
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