RPA Impact & Insights Report - 2025/26 - Report - Page 21

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE
Phil Dowson
Director of Rugby, Northampton Saints
We understand it’s a long and, at times,
stressful season, and that factors off the field
have a huge impact on training levels, energy
and motivation throughout the year. We try to
create an environment that both pushes and
supports the playing group, where players feel
confident enough to say what they think and,
often more importantly, how they feel.
Through playing and coaching, the approach
to player welfare has been totally transformed.
There is now a much greater understanding of
the player as an individual and how to support
them through a high-pressure role, often at an
age when they are leaving home for the first
time and facing lots of challenges away from
rugby. Performance management, pastoral
management and the balance between the
two are key, and we’re fortunate to have both
Oli Dixon and Jamie Bethell involved daily to
manage that tricky dynamic.
I think all stakeholders involved in the game,
including players, have a responsibility to
think about long-term health and wellbeing.
Jamie has been exceptional at creating strong
relationships with the players and helping the
support staff better understand the needs of
individuals. We’re fortunate to have Jamie as
our RPA representative and, as such, have a
very clear line of communication between the
RPA, the players and the coaching group.
21

Paperturn flipbook system