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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous destination in the world, but its rugby union team offers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a city known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to retain possession.

Even though representing a distinctly UK community, they showcase a flair typical of the finest French masters of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the Champions Cup – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a semi-final earlier.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on matchday as the just one without a loss, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “But as you get older, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the everyday life looks like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was difficult – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson guides a squad progressively crammed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the national side versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable generation because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“This is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a major effect on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”

Northampton play entertaining the game, which proved literally true in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was involved with the French club overcome in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman notched a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players moving to France.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We don’t have funds for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the French league. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock brings a specific energy. Has he encountered a player like him? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

His breathtaking try against the Irish side previously demonstrated his exceptional skill, but a few of his expressive during matches actions have resulted in claims of overconfidence.

“At times appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “And he's not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and good fun to have around.”

Few managers would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with his co-coach.

“Sam and I have an interest regarding different things,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He aims to discover everything, wants to know all there is, desires to try different things, and I think I’m the similar.

“We discuss many subjects outside rugby: films, literature, ideas, culture. When we faced the Parisian club last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in Gall is coming up: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be brief because the European tournament kicks in shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls travel to a week later.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous sufficiently to {