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This English town is hardly the most glamorous spot on the planet, but its club delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a place famous for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Despite playing for a typically British town, they showcase a panache typical of the greatest French masters of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have won the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on matchday as the just one without a loss, seeking a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for multiple clubs in total, always planned to be a manager.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you love the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was challenging – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with former mentors led to a role at Northampton. Move forward eight years and Dowson leads a team progressively packed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for England versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, eventually, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this exceptional cohort because of the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be guided by highly engaging personalities,” he says. “Jim had a major effect on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Saints demonstrate attractive football, which proved literally true in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was part of the opposing team beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when the winger notched a three tries. The player liked what he saw enough to buck the pattern of English talent moving to France.

“An associate called me and remarked: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my mate informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging the flanker offers a specific vitality. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s individual but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against Leinster last season showcased his freakish skill, but a few of his animated on-field behavior have resulted in allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “And Pollock is not joking around the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and great to have within the team.”

Not many directors of rugby would claim to have having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with his co-coach.

“We both share an curiosity around different things,” he explains. “We run a book club. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We discuss many subjects beyond rugby: movies, reading, thoughts, culture. When we met the Parisian club previously, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further fixture in Gall is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup intervenes shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

“I refuse to be arrogant enough to {