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

In a town famous for shoe production, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Although embodying a typically British location, they showcase a panache associated with the finest Gallic masters of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by Leinster in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit 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 featured in 262 elite games for various teams altogether, always planned to be a coach.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “But as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the sport, and what the normal employment entails. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with club legends resulted in a role at the Saints. Move forward a decade and Dowson leads a roster progressively packed with internationals: key individuals were selected for England against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s successful series while the fly-half, in time, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable group because of the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my coaching, how I deal with individuals.”

Saints execute appealing football, which was clearly evident in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was part of the French club beaten in the European competition in April when the winger registered a three tries. He admired the style to such an extent to reverse the trend of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A friend rang me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘There's no budget for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and away from the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young the flanker offers a specific enthusiasm. Does he know an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

His breathtaking try against their opponents in the past campaign demonstrated his exceptional skill, but a few of his animated on-field antics have brought accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion appears cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s being serious the whole time. Tactically he has input – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have to have around.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“We both have an curiosity about different things,” he explains. “We maintain a literary circle. He wants to see various elements, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience varied activities, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We talk about lots of things beyond the game: movies, books, ideas, culture. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

Another fixture in the French nation is approaching: The Saints' return with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup takes over soon. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.

“I won't be presumptuous enough to {