Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’
This English town may not be the most exotic spot on the planet, but its squad delivers a great deal of excitement and passion.
In a town known for boot‑making, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.
Even though playing for a quintessentially English town, they exhibit a flair typical of the best French masters of expansive play.
From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in the ultimate match and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.
They lead the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.
“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you age, you realise how much you love the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was tough – you see what you have going for you.”
Talks with club legends resulted in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a team progressively packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the pivotal position.
Is the rise of this exceptional group due to the team's ethos, or is it chance?
“It's a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so talented.”
Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be coached by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he says. “Jim had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage individuals.”
Northampton play attractive football, which was clearly evident in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in the spring when Freeman registered a triple. The player admired the style to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players moving to France.
“A mate rang me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He wants experience, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my mate informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.
“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson says the emerging the flanker provides a unique vitality. Has he coached anyone similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Each person is unique but Henry is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”
His spectacular try against the Irish side previously demonstrated his exceptional ability, but a few of his animated in-game behavior have resulted in claims of overconfidence.
“He sometimes seems cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “And Pollock is not taking the piss the whole time. Tactically he has input – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”
Not many directors of rugby would claim to have sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.
“Together have an inquisitiveness around different things,” he notes. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know all there is, wants to experience new experiences, and I believe I’m the same.
“We talk about lots of subjects away from the sport: films, literature, ideas, culture. When we faced our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”
A further date in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be brief because the continental event kicks in shortly. The French side, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls visit a week later.
“I won't be overconfident to the extent to {