Northampton Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’

Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous spot in the world, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town renowned for shoe production, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold prefer to retain possession.

Although representing a typically British community, they exhibit a panache typical of the finest French practitioners of expansive play.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and advanced far in the Champions Cup – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round earlier.

They lead the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on Saturday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite matches for multiple clubs altogether, always planned to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the real world is like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at the Saints. Move forward a decade and Dowson guides a roster progressively filled with internationals: key individuals started for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this exceptional generation because of the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It's a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, 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 mentions Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he notes. “Jim had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with people.”

The team demonstrate attractive the game, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV overcome in the Champions Cup in April when the winger notched a triple. He was impressed enough to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That intrigued us. We met with him and his English was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker brings a specific enthusiasm. Does he know anyone comparable? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

Pollock’s breathtaking score against the Irish side last season demonstrated his freakish ability, but various his expressive in-game antics have brought accusations of cockiness.

“He sometimes appears cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s being serious constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s not a clown. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence in the squad.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.

“We both have an interest regarding different things,” he says. “We run a book club. He desires to explore various elements, aims to learn all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about lots of topics beyond the game: movies, books, ideas, culture. When we faced the Parisian club previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in France is looming: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in shortly. Pau, in the vicinity of the border region, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the South African team travel to the following weekend.

“I refuse to be presumptuous enough to {