Latest news with #Dowson
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Upset Henry Pollock 'targeted' in post-match clash as he is mocked in changing room celebrations
Upset Henry Pollock 'targeted' in post-match clash as he is mocked in changing room celebrations The Saints were narrowly edged out 28-20 by Bordeaux in a thrilling contest at the Principality Stadium Northampton Saints star Henry Pollock (Image: ) Following a dramatic conclusion to the Champions Cup final, Northampton Saints' director of rugby Phil Dowson launched a scathing criticism of Bordeaux-Begles, accusing the French side of deliberately targeting Henry Pollock after the final whistle in Cardiff. The Saints were narrowly edged out 28-20 by Bordeaux in a thrilling contest at the Principality Stadium, with the French club claiming their first-ever European title. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Pollock, 20, has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season, establishing himself as a key figure in the Saints squad and earning a call-up to the British and Irish Lions squad. However, his breakout campaign ended on a sour note after a heated post-match altercation. The incident appeared to occur shortly after the full-time whistle, with television cameras catching Pollock gesturing to his throat amid a scuffle involving Bordeaux's Pete Samu, Tevita Tatafu, and Jefferson Poirot. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a clash between Saints captain Fraser Dingwall and Bordeaux fly-half Matthieu Jalibert. While Dowson acknowledged Bordeaux's quality on the pitch, he did not hold back in condemning their conduct after the game. 'There was a fracas at the end, there was foul play involved,' said an incensed Dowson. 'I have been assured that the touch judge has seen it and will deal with it appropriately.' Article continues below Dowson revealed that Pollock was visibly shaken by the incident, which he described as 'uncalled for and out of order.' The Saints boss suggested that his club may consider taking further action if match officials fail to address the matter. 'Henry Pollock was particularly upset by it,' Dowson added. 'He reacted, and the officials have told me they will deal with it. If they don't, we may have to look at it ourselves.' Content cannot be displayed without consent Fly-half Fin Smith, who played a key role in Northampton's campaign, echoed Dowson's concerns and suggested Pollock had been specifically targeted by Bordeaux players during and after the match. 'They were after him,' Smith said. 'I don't think they liked him.' Describing the intensity of the moment, Smith added: 'I remember they all sort of charged at him and were trying to get hold of him. I am surprised if you have just won a European Cup, the first thing you want to do is start a fight with a 20-year-old. I felt that was interesting.' Indeed, the Bordeaux team seemed to take particular pleasure from besting Pollock, with pictures emerging of the players mocking the Saints star, copying his trademark fingers-on-the-neck celebration, in the changing room after the match. Content cannot be displayed without consent Despite the controversy, the game itself was a high-octane affair. Bordeaux displayed clinical finishing, with tries from Damian Penaud, Adam Coleman, and Cyril Cazeaux proving decisive. Northampton, seeking a first Champions Cup crown in 25 years, were hit early by injuries to backs George Furbank and James Ramm, but they refused to fold. Flanker Alex Coles scored twice, showcasing the Saints' attacking prowess and resilience. Smith contributed two conversions and two penalties, keeping his side within striking distance, but Bordeaux's greater efficiency in key moments ultimately made the difference. Jalibert and captain Maxime Lucu each added penalties for Bordeaux, whose triumph marked the fifth consecutive year a French club has lifted the Champions Cup. The match, full of drama and intensity, was worthy of the occasion, but the post-match altercation has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of European rugby's finest. Article continues below Northampton's attention may now turn to reviewing footage of the incident and potentially lodging a citing complaint, as the fallout from Cardiff continues to unfold.
France 24
23-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
New boys Bordeaux-Begles face Northampton for Champions Cup glory
The French side and their star backline stormed past six-time winners and holders Toulouse in the semi-finals while 2000 champions Northampton stunned Irish powerhouses Leinster in the previous round. Four of Phil Dowson's Northampton squad -- rising star flanker Henry Pollock, fly-half Fin Smith, scrum-half Alex Mitchell and winger Tommy Freeman -- have been named in the Lions' squad for this summer's tour of Australia. "We are going to go flying into it with loads of energy, loads of heart, we're going to work incredibly hard and when it goes well, we're going to celebrate and when it goes wrong, we're going to pick each other up," Dowson told the BBC this week. "We're going to keep doing that for 80 minutes and then look up at the scoreboard and see where we're at," the former Saints back-rower added. Bordeaux-Begles have reached their maiden Champions Cup final having been founded following a merger between Bordeaux and suburban town Begles in 2006. They tasted defeat in their only other previous major final, losing 59-3 to Toulouse in the Top 14 last season despite the involvement of supersonic wingers Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud as well as influential fly-half Matthieu Jalibert. "There are things we can control better compared to what we did last year," head coach Yannick Bru told reporters on Tuesday. "We're happy to be at another match that is decisive for the club, with all our capabilities," the former France and Toulouse hooker added. Dowson has an injury-hit squad with doubts over four regulars including Fijian lock Temo Mayanavanua and full-back James Ramm. South African No 8 Juarno Augustus has already been ruled out with an issue picked up in training. "You look at the quality of their squad, and we're suffering with some long-term injuries," Dowson said. "Just on those factors alone we're probably underdogs." 'Fast and brave' Wideman Penaud is set to feature despite being sidelined since the semi-final win with an ankle problem. The 28-year-old is expected to line up on the other wing to Bielle-Biarrey, with the pair having contributed 52 tries in 49 appearances for club and country this season. "I think both of them want to give back to the club what the club has given them," Bru said. "They are good players, who are liked in the squad and think of the group before themselves." Penaud and French rugby's new poster boy Bielle-Biarrey have fired Bordeaux-Begles to the final and behind leaders Toulouse in the Top 14 standings with Bru's side playing an attractive, expansive brand of rugby. Saints are planning to banish the bad memories from their most recent Champions Cup final appearance, having led Leinster by 16 points before losing 33-22 in 2011. "They want to play fast, they want to look for space, they want to be brave and that makes for entertainment," said Dowson, who started the final defeat 14 years ago.
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Can Northampton find another level after shock of Leinster?
How do Northampton Saints go again? After pulling off a stunning upset to avenge last season's semi-final defeat by Leinster and take their place in Saturday's final, the question is how do Phil Dowson's side overcome one of the French giants, Bordeaux, to clinch the Champions Cup? Had the final been a week later I'd have feared for Northampton but they are helped by the ability to distract themselves with Premiership action, and I think the manner of victory over Leinster plays into their hands. Northampton need to focus on being unashamedly themselves. In Dublin the gameplan was to put the car into fifth gear from the first whistle and that's precisely what they did. When your approach is so authentic and in keeping with your culture, it makes it that much easier. I also think we have two teams contesting the final after the heartache of last year – maybe even because of it. They both lost knockout matches in this competition in agonising circumstances and it often goes that you have to lose one to win one. Perhaps it will be a similar story for Bath in their Challenge Cup final against Lyon on Friday. They lost the Premiership final last season and are now odds-on to complete a treble. What I love about this Champions Cup final is how both sides are set up to throw the ball around. Bordeaux have some frightening physicality, though Northampton do too, and in Josh Kemeny they have an outstanding performer who does not get the credit he deserves. But this match is going to be won on attacking prowess. Bordeaux possess wingers to die for in Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Penaud has already set the record for most tries in the competition in a season and Bielle-Biarrey is the most dangerous finisher on the international stage. They provide incredible balance to the side. For Northampton, on their budget, even to have earned the right to face them in a final is testament to the work of Dowson and his coaches. It is easy to forget Dowson is only in his third season as director of rugby. He has already guided Northampton to the Premiership title and now a Champions Cup final. We often hear that English clubs have no hope in this competition because of their lack of spending power and if you were to rank the competing teams on financial strength alone, Saints would be nowhere near. But Northampton have a brilliant English model of recruitment, wonderful player retention and an effective academy system. Players such as Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell, George Furbank and Fraser Dingwall have been there a long time but have continued to improve and that's a credit to Dowson. Perhaps the biggest difference is that Northampton's league form has shown how difficult it is to go the distance in the Premiership and the Champions Cup, all the more so when the spine of your team are England internationals. I don't imagine Dowson sat down at the beginning of the season and made the Champions Cup the No 1 priority but they have shown an ability to peak at the right time in a competition with a staccato rhythm. If they are to prevail they'll need another statement performance from Fin Smith at fly-half, the kind he delivered in Dublin, and the kind he has been producing for every major challenge he has faced this season. Andy Farrell, the British & Irish Lions coach, will be watching the matches in Cardiff closely this weekend because while Bath are favourites to beat Lyon, Finn Russell – another contender for the Lions No 10 jersey – could do with a big performance in a final. I expect to see one because I have been so impressed with the messaging coming out of Bath. Every coach, every player regardless of experience or standing in the squad, has showcased Bath's ability to shut out external noise. They are not saying anything groundbreaking or unheard of but it demonstrates such togetherness. They should be under pressure as they seek a treble but they do not show any signs of it. They've plotted their way through a gruelling campaign and the only way you can do that is with a strong identity and a strong leadership group. To have that collective buy-in goes well beyond rugby intellect. It speaks to personal buy-in from the coach and it's clear that Johann van Graan must really care for his players and they must really care for him. The same can be said of Dowson; perhaps that is the best illustration of why their sides are in European finals this weekend. Guardian
RTÉ News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Phil Dowson challenges Northampton to reach their peak in Champions Cup final
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson has challenged his squad to make sure their peak performance of the season comes in the Investec Champions Cup final against Bordeaux on Saturday (2.45pm, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player). The Saints head to Cardiff having delivered a stunning semi-final victory over tournament favourites Leinster in Dublin. Tommy Freeman scored a hat-trick of tries as Northampton battled to a 37-34 win, holding off a fightback from the Irish side – who were aiming to reach a fourth consecutive final – having been down to 14 men after Saints lock Alex Coles was sent to the sin-bin late on. Bordeaux, meanwhile, secured their place at the Principality Stadium following a 35-18 victory over defending champions Toulouse. Dowson (below), though, does not want Northampton's European campaign to be defined by their Dublin heroics. "Fundamentally, for these next couple of training days, we have to focus on what it means to perform on a big stage," said Dowson, who played in Northampton's 2011 Champions Cup final defeat to Leinster in Cardiff – when the Saints lost after being 22-6 ahead at half-time. "You often see across sports that semi-finals are end-to-end classic encounters and then finals are often a nervy, turgid affair where the margins are very tight. "We have spoken about that, we understand that and we need to make sure we don't panic when those things happen. "We want to make sure – and I am sure Bordeaux are saying exactly the same thing – that (the semi-final) is not the summit of our season, that this game is our best performance and our most exciting one. "So we can't be satisfied just to be here – I've got to make sure we get our training level right and what is important to play against Bordeaux." Dowson is determined to keep everyone focussed on the job in hand, despite all of the extra attention in the build-up – with Saints having lifted their only Champions Cup 25 years ago. "There's going to be distractions this week," said Dowson, who will check on the fitness of Curtis Langdon and James Ramm after they both sustained injuries in the Premiership win over Saracens. "One of them is the media, one of them is the travel, one of them is a different stadium with a roof on, then the expectation of playing in the final, so we want to normalise that," he said. Dowson added: "We don't want to get too caught up in 'it has been 25 years and are we going to do something different'. "We have got to make sure, actually, that it's a great occasion. We've got the opportunity to do something special as a group."
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Saints want momentum from last home league game
Northampton Saints boss Phil Dowson has set the twin goals of giving the fans something to cheer and building momentum for their European final in their last home league game of the season. The reigning Premiership champions take on Saracens on Saturday with the play-offs now mathematically out of reach following last weekend's loss to Exeter. Dowson may again opt to rest some first-choice players ahead of the Champions Cup final against Toulouse but he has injuries to contend with among their replacements. "The connection in the group is so strong that we think occasions like playing at home for the last time are important. We think the last home game of the season for the fans is important," director of rugby Dowson told BBC Radio Northampton. "We think that momentum and getting back to winning ways after a disappointing result is important and these are all motivational elements - all things we want to put out on the pitch on Saturday." Asked whether the prospect of a major European final was a worry, he said: "Yes, but it's nerve-wracking with Saracens coming up - let's deal with it in order and make sure we're set up to put a really good performance in." Sarries are currently fifth in the Premiership table, three places above Northampton, and looking to force their way into the end-of-season play-offs. "They are gunning for the top four, (have) a tonne of very strong players, Lions, etc. Loads and loads of quality across the board," said Dowson. "I'm sure they're frustrated like we are with the consistency of their performance but when they're on, they're an absolute handful. It will be a really good challenge and it's something we want to get our teeth into." Northampton, though, will almost certainly have to do so without half-back Tom James, prop Tom West and wing Will Glister, who were all injured at Sandy Park. "Tom James had an HIA (head injury assessment) so he's going to be subject to player protocol," Dowson said. "Tom West had a problem with his foot and the scan has been inconclusive so we're waiting to see how that comes out physically and see what we can get from him. "Unfortunately, Will Glister has hurt his pec (pectoral muscle) so he'll more than likely need an operation in the next couple of weeks." Centre Tom Litchfield said that despite the 42-14 scoreline, they felt they performed well against Exeter despite fielding a "makeshift" team. "Overall, the group's in a really good place. There are a lot of lads who you might see this weekend that have had a rest and and will be ready to go for the last three weeks of the season," he added. "Lads come into this group and say it's nothing like they've experienced before and that's a real strong point of this team, that we're really together, a close group, and you can see that on the pitch and in the way we play. "We didn't really give Saracens the game we were hoping to at their place earlier in the season so we feel we've got to give a better showing of ourselves and to do that for our last home game of the year would be a nice way to finish off for the crowd."
