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Northampton is hardly the most glamorous spot globally, but its squad provides a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a town famous for boot‑making, you would think punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.

Although embodying a typically British community, they showcase a style associated with the finest French exponents of expansive play.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you love the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was tough – you see what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson leads a squad ever more crammed with global stars: prominent figures started for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, eventually, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this outstanding cohort attributable to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a group is certainly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by highly engaging individuals,” he says. “He had a major effect on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Saints demonstrate entertaining the game, which proved literally true in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in April when Freeman scored a hat-trick. He admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players moving to France.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have funds for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the chance to test himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging Henry Pollock provides a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone like him? “No,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s breathtaking try against the Irish side last season illustrated his freakish ability, but a few of his animated in-game actions have brought accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss all the time. Tactically he has input – he’s not a clown. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”

Not many coaches would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.

“We both possess an inquisitiveness about various topics,” he says. “We have a literary circle. He wants to see various elements, wants to know all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the same.

“We discuss many topics away from rugby: cinema, books, thoughts, culture. When we met the Parisian club previously, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further fixture in France is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be brief because the continental event kicks in next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club arrive at a week later.

“I’m not going to be arrogant to the extent to {