Northampton Coach Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’
Northampton is hardly the most tropical spot in the world, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of romance and adventure.
In a place famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.
Although embodying a typically British community, they exhibit a flair associated with the best Gallic exponents of expansive play.
From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and knocked out by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.
They lead the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for various teams altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.
“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “Yet as you get older, you comprehend how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world entails. 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.”
Discussions with club legends culminated in a position at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a squad progressively filled with global stars: 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 major effect off the bench in England’s successful series while the number ten, down the line, will inherit the pivotal position.
Is the emergence of this remarkable generation because of the club's environment, or is it luck?
“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”
Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I deal with individuals.”
Saints demonstrate entertaining the game, which became obvious in the case of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the French club defeated in the continental tournament in the spring when Tommy Freeman registered a three tries. He admired the style sufficiently to reverse the trend of British stars heading across the Channel.
“A friend called me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to him and his communication was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.
“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson comments the 20-year-old the flanker provides a unique vitality. Has he encountered anyone similar? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s original but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”
Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against the Irish side last season showcased his freakish skill, but a few of his demonstrative on-field antics have brought claims of arrogance.
“At times comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Plus he's not taking the piss constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel on occasion it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”
Hardly any coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with his co-coach.
“We both possess an interest regarding various topics,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn everything, aims to encounter different things, and I believe I’m the same.
“We discuss numerous things away from the sport: movies, books, thoughts, creativity. When we played our French rivals in the past season, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
A further match in Gall is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event intervenes shortly. The French side, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club arrive at a week later.
“I refuse to be arrogant sufficiently to {