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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous spot on the planet, but its rugby union team offers a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a city known for shoe production, you could anticipate boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Despite representing a distinctly UK town, they showcase a panache typical of the greatest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

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

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “Yet as you get older, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was difficult – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a squad increasingly crammed with global stars: prominent figures started for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect from the replacements in the national team's flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this remarkable group attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting people,” he notes. “Jim had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I manage people.”

Saints execute entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the instance of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in last season when the winger notched a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate rang me and said: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘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 like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Pollock provides a particular energy. Does he know anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s spectacular try against the Irish side last season illustrated his exceptional skill, but various his animated on-field antics have led to claims of overconfidence.

“At times comes across as cocky in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”

Few coaches would claim to have having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Vesty.

“Sam and I have an curiosity about various topics,” he notes. “We maintain a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We talk about many subjects beyond the game: films, reading, ideas, art. When we faced our French rivals previously, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

One more date in Gall is looming: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be brief because the European tournament takes over shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are up first on matchday before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.

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