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

Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic spot globally, but its club offers a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a town known for boot‑making, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a distinctly UK location, they showcase a panache synonymous with the best French exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They sit atop the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit their West Country rivals on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight games for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “Yet as you get older, you realise how much you love the sport, and what the real world is like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You travel to work a few times, and it was challenging – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with club legends led to a position at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson leads a team increasingly filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the Red Rose facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, in time, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable group because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a group is definitely one of the factors they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he adds. “Mallinder had a major effect on my professional journey, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

Saints demonstrate entertaining football, which was clearly evident in the example of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was part of the French club defeated in the European competition in last season when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. The player was impressed enough to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend rang me and said: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my friend said. That interested me. We spoke to Anthony and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker provides a unique energy. Does he know anyone similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “Each person is original but he is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

The player's sensational touchdown against Leinster previously showcased his unusual skill, but a few of his demonstrative during matches actions have brought allegations of overconfidence.

“At times seems cocky in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore he's being serious constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and great to have to have around.”

Few coaches would admit to sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Vesty.

“We both share an curiosity regarding diverse subjects,” he explains. “We have a book club. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn all there is, aims to encounter different things, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous subjects away from the sport: movies, reading, concepts, creativity. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

One more fixture in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be brief because the continental event kicks in shortly. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club travel to a week later.

“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {