Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’
This English town may not be the most glamorous destination globally, but its club provides a great deal of excitement and passion.
In a city known for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. However under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to keep ball in hand.
Although playing for a quintessentially English town, they showcase a style typical of the finest French practitioners of champagne rugby.
After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.
They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.
It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, always planned to be a coach.
“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you get older, you comprehend how much you love the rugby, and what the real world is like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you realise what you possess and lack.”
Conversations with club legends led to a job at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson guides a team increasingly packed with global stars: key individuals lined up for England against the All Blacks two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a profound impact from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.
Is the development of this remarkable generation due to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?
“It's a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so skilled.”
Dowson also mentions Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by highly engaging people,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my training methods, how I interact with individuals.”
The team execute appealing rugby, which proved literally true in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was part of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in April when the winger notched a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend 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 says. “I said: ‘We lack the budget for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’
‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend informed me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.
“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the French league. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Dowson comments the emerging Henry Pollock brings a specific energy. Has he coached anyone similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are original but he is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”
The player's sensational score against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his unusual ability, but some of his animated during matches actions have resulted in allegations of overconfidence.
“He sometimes appears cocky in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And he's not joking around the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think at times it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence within the team.”
Hardly any coaches would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Vesty.
“We both have an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We have a book club. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try varied activities, and I feel like I’m the similar.
“We talk about lots of things outside the game: cinema, literature, ideas, creativity. When we played the Parisian club last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”
A further fixture in the French nation is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event kicks in shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at a week later.
“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {
