🔗 Share this article

Northampton may not be the most exotic spot on the planet, but its squad offers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors prefer to retain possession.

Even though representing a typically British town, they exhibit a panache typical of the best French masters of expansive play.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and knocked out by the Irish province in a last-four clash previously.

They currently top the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs altogether, had long intended to be a trainer.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment looks like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Talks with club legends led to a role at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a team ever more crammed with national team players: key individuals started for the national side against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the development of this outstanding cohort because of the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is certainly one of the factors they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by highly engaging individuals,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my career, my training methods, how I manage people.”

Northampton play attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the case of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when Tommy Freeman scored a triple. The player liked what he saw enough to buck the pattern of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate rang me and remarked: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the possibility to test himself,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging Henry Pollock brings a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached an individual similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is unique but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His sensational score against the Irish side in the past campaign demonstrated his freakish skill, but a few of his animated during matches behavior have resulted in claims of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s no fool. I think at times it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Few directors of rugby would describe themselves as having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an curiosity around various topics,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He wants to see everything, wants to know each detail, desires to try different things, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We discuss lots of topics away from the sport: cinema, reading, thoughts, art. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, the landmark was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further fixture in France is approaching: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event takes over shortly. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team travel to a week later.

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