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This English town may not be the most glamorous destination on the planet, but its squad offers a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a place renowned for shoe production, you could anticipate kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors prefer to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a typically British community, they showcase a panache synonymous with the greatest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the continental tournament – losing to their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, seeking a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for multiple clubs in total, had long intended to be a trainer.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you mature, you understand how much you love the game, and what the real world entails. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors led to a role at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson manages a squad ever more filled with national team players: key individuals were selected for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this exceptional cohort due to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be guided by really interesting personalities,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”

Saints play attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was involved with the opposing team beaten in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman scored a hat-trick. Belleau was impressed to such an extent to buck the pattern of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate rang me and stated: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock brings a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s original but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking try against their opponents in the past campaign demonstrated his exceptional ability, but some of his demonstrative on-field actions have led to accusations of overconfidence.

“He sometimes appears overconfident in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is not taking the piss constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s not a clown. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”

Few coaches would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Together possess an interest around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover various elements, wants to know all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We talk about lots of things outside the game: films, literature, ideas, art. When we faced the Parisian club in the past season, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in France is looming: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be temporary because the continental event kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team travel to soon after.

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