Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton is hardly the most glamorous spot on the planet, but its rugby union team offers an abundance of romance and adventure.
In a place famous for shoe production, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.
Although embodying a typically British community, they showcase a style associated with the finest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.
From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the Champions Cup – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.
They sit atop the league standings after four wins and a draw and travel to Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 elite games for various teams combined, always planned to be a manager.
“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “However as you age, you understand how much you love the game, and what the everyday life is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you realise what you possess and lack.”
Talks with former mentors resulted in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson manages a squad ever more packed with national team players: prominent figures started for the national side facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.
Is the rise of this outstanding cohort attributable to the team's ethos, or is it luck?
“It's a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so skilled.”
Dowson also mentions Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be guided by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with people.”
The team execute attractive the game, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was part of the Clermont XV overcome in the European competition in the spring when Freeman scored a three tries. He admired the style sufficiently to reverse the trend of British stars moving to France.
“A mate rang me and said: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We don’t have budget for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my mate informed me. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.
“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 French league. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock provides a unique vitality. Has he coached an individual like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but he is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”
His breathtaking score against the Irish side in the past campaign showcased his exceptional ability, but a few of his demonstrative on-field antics have led to claims of cockiness.
“At times appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is being serious constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s not a clown. I feel at times it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and great to have within the team.”
Not many managers would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Vesty.
“Together possess an interest about different things,” he says. “We have a reading group. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn each detail, desires to try new experiences, and I believe I’m the similar.
“We converse on many topics beyond the sport: movies, books, ideas, culture. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”
A further date in France is coming up: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be short-lived because the continental event takes over shortly. The French side, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.
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