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This English town may not be the most tropical destination globally, but its rugby union team offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town renowned for shoe production, you would think punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English community, they showcase a style associated with the finest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the European competition – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final earlier.

They lead the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on matchday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, had long intended to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you mature, you realise how much you appreciate the game, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a few times, and it was challenging – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Conversations with club legends culminated in a role at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson manages a roster progressively filled with national team players: prominent figures were selected for the national side against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this outstanding group attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It's a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be guided by really interesting personalities,” he adds. “Mallinder had a major effect on my professional journey, my management style, how I manage others.”

Northampton play entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The import was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the European competition in April when the winger notched a three tries. Belleau was impressed to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate called me and stated: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That caught my attention. We met with him and his communication was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the young Henry Pollock brings a particular vitality. Does he know an individual similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against Leinster previously demonstrated his unusual talent, but various his expressive during matches actions have resulted in claims of overconfidence.

“He sometimes appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Furthermore he's not joking around constantly. Tactically he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have within the team.”

Hardly any managers would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“Sam and I share an curiosity around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore everything, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of things beyond the game: films, reading, concepts, creativity. When we met our French rivals previously, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another fixture in France is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over soon. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {