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Northampton may not be the most exotic destination on the planet, but its club provides plenty of excitement and passion.

In a town known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold prefer to run with the ball.

Even though representing a distinctly UK town, they showcase a flair typical of the finest Gallic masters of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – losing to their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and knocked out by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for multiple clubs in total, had long intended to be a coach.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the game, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was tough – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a position at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson manages a roster ever more crammed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.

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

“This is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by highly engaging individuals,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage people.”

Saints demonstrate attractive rugby, which became obvious in the case of Anthony Belleau. The import was part of the Clermont XV defeated in the continental tournament in the spring when Freeman scored a triple. The player liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend rang me and remarked: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my friend informed me. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and away from the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker provides a unique energy. Has he encountered an individual similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but he is distinct and special in many ways. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

The player's sensational try against Leinster previously demonstrated his unusual skill, but various his demonstrative during matches antics have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Pollock is being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and good fun in the squad.”

Not many coaches would admit to having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.

“We both possess an inquisitiveness around different things,” he explains. “We run a literary circle. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand each detail, wants to experience varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss many things away from the sport: films, literature, concepts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] in the past season, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further fixture in France is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event kicks in shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on Sunday week before the Bulls arrive at a week later.

“I refuse to be overconfident enough to {