Saints Coach Phil Dowson: ‘Banking Was a Difficult Experience’

This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous spot globally, but its squad offers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a place famous for footwear manufacturing, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to retain possession.

Although representing a quintessentially English location, they display a flair typical of the best Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, had long intended to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you get older, you understand how much you enjoy the game, and what the real world is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a squad increasingly filled with national team players: prominent figures started for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this outstanding generation attributable to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“It's a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a group is certainly one of the reasons they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be guided by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he says. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I manage others.”

The team execute entertaining football, which proved literally true in the example of the French fly-half. The import was a member of the French club defeated in the Champions Cup in April when Tommy Freeman scored a triple. He liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and stated: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We lack the money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We spoke to Anthony and his English was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and beyond the French league. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock provides a particular vitality. Does he know an individual similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

Pollock’s breathtaking try against their opponents last season showcased his exceptional ability, but various his animated on-field antics have resulted in claims of arrogance.

“At times seems cocky in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And he's being serious all the time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think on occasion it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and good fun to have around.”

Not many managers would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“We both share an curiosity regarding different things,” he says. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try different things, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss numerous topics away from the game: films, literature, concepts, art. When we met the Parisian club previously, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

Another match in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the European tournament takes over soon. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls arrive at soon after.

“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {