Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘I Tried Working for a Bank – It Was Tough’

Northampton may not be the most glamorous spot globally, but its squad offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town famous for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to keep ball in hand.

Despite embodying a distinctly UK location, they exhibit a flair synonymous with the finest French exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a penultimate round earlier.

They sit atop the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for various teams combined, had long intended to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you get older, you understand how much you enjoy the game, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing a trial period. You do the commute a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”

Talks with former mentors resulted in a role at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster increasingly crammed with internationals: prominent figures started for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this exceptional generation attributable to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“This is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is certainly one of the factors they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by highly engaging personalities,” he adds. “Jim had a significant influence on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage individuals.”

Saints execute entertaining rugby, which proved literally true in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the French club defeated in the Champions Cup in the spring when the winger registered a three tries. Belleau admired the style enough to buck the pattern of British stars moving to France.

“A friend rang me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my friend said. That intrigued us. We spoke to Belleau and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be guided, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Pollock brings a particular vitality. Has he encountered a player similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s original but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

The player's spectacular touchdown against their opponents last season showcased his unusual skill, but a few of his demonstrative in-game actions have brought allegations of cockiness.

“He sometimes comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Pollock is not joking around the whole time. Tactically he has input – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and good fun in the squad.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Sam and I have an curiosity about different things,” he explains. “We run a reading group. He wants to see everything, aims to learn each detail, desires to try varied activities, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous things outside rugby: films, literature, thoughts, culture. When we met the Parisian club last year, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in the French nation is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls visit a week later.

“I’m not going to be arrogant enough to {