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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous location in the world, but its club offers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a place famous for shoe production, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Even though playing for a distinctly UK location, they showcase a panache synonymous with the best Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – losing to a French side in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash earlier.

They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a banking firm doing a trial period. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a role at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a squad ever more crammed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the fly-half role.

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

“It is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a group is certainly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting people,” he says. “Jim had a significant influence on my career, my management style, how I deal with others.”

Saints execute entertaining football, which became obvious in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when Freeman registered a triple. He admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate rang me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have budget for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my mate informed me. That caught my attention. We met with him and his communication was incredible, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock provides a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered an individual similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but Henry is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s breathtaking try against their opponents last season illustrated his unusual ability, but various his demonstrative on-field behavior have led to claims of arrogance.

“He sometimes seems overconfident in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Pollock is not joking around all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel on occasion it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and great to have in the squad.”

Not many directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Vesty.

“Together possess an curiosity regarding diverse subjects,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore everything, seeks to understand everything, desires to try varied activities, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We converse on numerous things outside the sport: movies, reading, concepts, creativity. When we met Stade [Français] in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

One more match in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the domestic league will be short-lived because the European tournament takes over soon. Pau, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Bulls visit the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant to the extent to {