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Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical spot globally, but its club offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town known for boot‑making, you would think punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to run with the ball.

Although embodying a quintessentially English location, they showcase a style associated with the best French exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have won the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a semi-final before that.

They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and head to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier fixtures for various teams altogether, had long intended to be a trainer.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you mature, you understand how much you love the rugby, and what the normal employment is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was tough – you see what you have going for you.”

Conversations with club legends culminated in a role at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson manages a team progressively filled with national team players: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

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

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

“This is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is certainly one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he says. “Jim had a significant influence on my career, my management style, how I interact with others.”

Saints execute entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman notched a hat-trick. He liked what he saw to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players moving to France.

“An associate rang me and said: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We don’t have budget for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my friend informed me. That interested me. We spoke to him and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock offers a unique energy. Has he coached a player comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his freakish talent, but a few of his expressive during matches antics have led to claims of arrogance.

“At times comes across as overconfident in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is not joking around all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”

Not many coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with his co-coach.

“Together share an curiosity about diverse subjects,” he notes. “We have a book club. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We converse on many subjects away from the game: movies, reading, ideas, creativity. When we played our French rivals previously, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

A further match in France is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be short-lived because the Champions Cup intervenes shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club travel to soon after.

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