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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic spot globally, but its club offers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a place known for boot‑making, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ primary strategy. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Although playing for a typically British community, they display a flair synonymous with the finest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, aiming for a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight games for various teams altogether, always planned to be a trainer.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you age, you realise how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a job at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson guides a squad increasingly filled with global stars: prominent figures started for the national side versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in the national team's successful series while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the development of this exceptional cohort attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It's a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he says. “Mallinder had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I deal with people.”

Saints play entertaining football, which became obvious in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. Belleau was impressed enough to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Pollock brings a particular energy. Does he know a player similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

The player's sensational score against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his unusual skill, but a few of his expressive on-field actions have resulted in allegations of overconfidence.

“At times appears arrogant in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Pollock is being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence in the squad.”

Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Together possess an curiosity regarding diverse subjects,” he explains. “We have a book club. He aims to discover various elements, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I think I’m the same.

“We discuss many things beyond the game: movies, reading, thoughts, creativity. When we played our French rivals last year, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further date in the French nation is looming: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in soon. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {