Northampton is hardly the most glamorous location on the planet, but its rugby union team provides a great deal of thrills and drama.
In a place known for boot‑making, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold prefer to run with the ball.
Although playing for a distinctly UK location, they exhibit a panache typical of the greatest French exponents of attacking rugby.
After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and gone deep in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.
They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.
It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs in total, always planned to be a trainer.
“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world entails. I had a stint at a financial institution doing an internship. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”
Discussions with former mentors culminated in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a roster progressively crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for England versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.
The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, eventually, will inherit the fly-half role.
Is the emergence of this outstanding generation attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?
“It is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a group is definitely one of the factors they are so tight and so skilled.”
Dowson also mentions Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by highly engaging people,” he says. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage others.”
Saints execute entertaining rugby, which became obvious in the example of the French fly-half. The import was involved with the French club beaten in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger registered a hat-trick. He admired the style to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.
“An associate phoned me and said: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘There's no money for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’
‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact told me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with him and his communication was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.
“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson states the young Henry Pollock brings a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered a player comparable? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”
Pollock’s sensational touchdown against the Irish side previously showcased his freakish talent, but various his expressive on-field actions have led to allegations of overconfidence.
“On occasion comes across as overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s being serious constantly. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I feel on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and good fun within the team.”
Hardly any managers would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.
“Together possess an curiosity about different things,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, wants to know each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.
“We talk about many topics outside rugby: movies, books, thoughts, creativity. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”
One more date in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be brief because the European tournament takes over soon. Pau, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club travel to the following weekend.
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