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Northampton is hardly the most exotic location globally, but its club offers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a town renowned for shoe production, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a typically British location, they exhibit a style typical of the greatest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have won the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – beaten by a French side in last season’s final and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and travel to Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for various teams in total, had long intended to be a coach.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you mature, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the normal employment entails. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing an internship. You do the commute a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a squad increasingly packed with global stars: prominent figures started for the Red Rose versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the development of this exceptional group due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a mix of each,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be guided by really interesting individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a major effect on my career, my training methods, how I deal with people.”

Northampton play attractive rugby, which became obvious in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was part of the French club overcome in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to buck the pattern of English talent moving to France.

“A mate phoned me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend told me. That caught my attention. We met with Belleau and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging Henry Pollock offers a specific vitality. Has he encountered an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking touchdown against their opponents in the past campaign demonstrated his unusual skill, but various his demonstrative during matches antics have led to claims of arrogance.

“At times appears cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and great to have within the team.”

Not many directors of rugby would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“We both possess an interest around different things,” he notes. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover everything, wants to know all there is, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the same.

“We talk about many topics beyond rugby: cinema, literature, thoughts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals in the past season, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another match in Gall is coming up: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be brief because the continental event kicks in shortly. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the South African team visit a week later.

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