Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic location globally, but its club delivers an abundance of romance and adventure.
In a place renowned for boot‑making, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to retain possession.
Although embodying a distinctly UK community, they showcase a panache associated with the finest French masters of expansive play.
From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash previously.
They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.
It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs altogether, had long intended to be a trainer.
“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “Yet as you age, you realise how much you love the game, and what the real world is like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”
Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson manages a team ever more crammed with national team players: prominent figures lined up for the national side facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.
Henry Pollock also had a profound impact from the replacements in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.
Is the emergence of this outstanding cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?
“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so tight and so gifted.”
Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting people,” he notes. “Jim had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”
The team execute entertaining football, which was clearly evident in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team defeated in the European competition in April when the winger registered a hat-trick. He was impressed enough to buck the pattern of English talent moving to France.
“A mate rang me and said: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He desires experience, for the possibility to test himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We met with him and his English was incredible, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.
“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson says the emerging the flanker offers a unique energy. Has he coached an individual like him? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”
His spectacular score against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his freakish talent, but a few of his animated during matches antics have resulted in allegations of cockiness.
“At times seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's not taking the piss all the time. Tactically he has input – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and good fun in the squad.”
Hardly any directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Sam Vesty.
“Together possess an curiosity regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a book club. He wants to see everything, aims to learn all there is, wants to experience varied activities, and I believe I’m the alike.
“We talk about lots of topics away from the game: cinema, literature, concepts, culture. When we played the Parisian club previously, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
A further date in Gall is approaching: The Saints' return with the Prem will be short-lived because the continental event takes over soon. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.
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