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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous spot in the world, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place famous for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors prefer to retain possession.

Although representing a distinctly UK location, they exhibit a panache associated with the greatest French practitioners of expansive play.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and gone deep in the Champions Cup – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.

They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a first win at their opponent's ground 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 manager.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you realise how much you enjoy the game, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with club legends resulted in a role at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson leads a squad increasingly packed with national team players: key individuals started for England against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, eventually, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this outstanding cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with people.”

Saints execute attractive the game, which was clearly evident in the case of Anthony Belleau. The import was involved with the French club defeated in the European competition in April when the winger registered a three tries. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate phoned me and said: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my mate said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Belleau and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered a player similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

Pollock’s sensational score against the Irish side in the past campaign demonstrated his freakish ability, but a few of his animated on-field behavior have brought claims of overconfidence.

“On occasion seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “And Pollock is not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and great to have within the team.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Together share an curiosity about different things,” he notes. “We run a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, wants to know all there is, desires to try varied activities, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We talk about many topics beyond the game: cinema, literature, concepts, creativity. When we met Stade [Français] in the past season, the landmark was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further date in the French nation is approaching: The Saints' return with the English competition will be brief because the continental event intervenes soon. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club visit the following weekend.

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