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This English town is hardly the most glamorous spot in the world, but its club offers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to run with the ball.

Although playing for a quintessentially English location, they display a style associated with the best Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have won the domestic league and advanced far in the European competition – beaten by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and knocked out by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 elite games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you get older, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a role at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a roster ever more crammed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact from the replacements in the national team's successful series while Fin Smith, in time, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable group due to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“It's a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is certainly one of the causes they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting personalities,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

Northampton demonstrate entertaining rugby, which became obvious in the instance of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was involved with the French club beaten in the European competition in the spring when Tommy Freeman scored a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and said: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We don’t have budget for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Anthony and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging the flanker provides a specific energy. Has he encountered anyone comparable? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

Pollock’s breathtaking score against the Irish side previously showcased his unusual ability, but some of his expressive in-game antics have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“At times comes across as overconfident in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Henry’s not joking around constantly. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Not many coaches would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an interest about various topics,” he notes. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover various elements, aims to learn everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous topics beyond the sport: films, literature, concepts, culture. When we played our French rivals previously, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

Another match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event kicks in next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the South African team travel to a week later.

“I refuse to be presumptuous sufficiently to {