Phil Dowson: “It’s Just ‘Blah’. You Are Just Living in the Past”
the rugby director of Gallagher Premiership champions Northampton Saints, has emphasized the importance of evolution as his team prepares to defend their title. Drawing parallels to sports icons like Martin Johnson and Michael Jordan, Dowson highlighted the relentless mindset needed for sustained success in competitive sports.
Northampton will aim to replicate the feat achieved by only three clubs in the Premiership’s 27-year history: successfully defending their title. Saracens last accomplished this in 2019, following in the footsteps of Leicester and Wasps.
Dowson remarked, “It’s a good challenge for us, and not something we have had to deal with for quite some time. Teams that defend titles effectively tend to move on quickly from their previous successes. We haven’t spent too much time celebrating; we understand the core values that led us to victory and the need to continue evolving.”
He noted the need for strong character within the squad, referencing the determination of past champions like the Chicago Bulls and Saracens. “I’m excited to see which players step up this season,” he said, acknowledging the departures of key players like Courtney Lawes and Lewis Ludlam.
As the Saints prepare for their season opener against Bath, Dowson is keen to focus on the future rather than dwelling on past victories. “That chapter is closed. If we keep chasing the trophy and talking about it, it’s just ‘blah.’ This season, everyone starts on zero,” he asserted.
While he recognizes the need for improvement, Dowson insists that there’s no need to overhaul their strategies entirely. “We’ll find what to tweak and what to keep consistent,” he concluded, looking forward to the challenges ahead.
