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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic spot on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you would think punting to be the Northampton's main approach. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Despite representing a distinctly UK location, they showcase a flair synonymous with the finest French exponents of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash earlier.

They currently top the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, had long intended to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you get older, you understand how much you love the game, and what the everyday life entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with club legends resulted in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson guides a squad ever more packed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for England facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this exceptional generation attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be guided by really interesting personalities,” he says. “He had a major effect on my professional journey, my training methods, how I interact with people.”

Saints execute entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was part of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman scored a triple. Belleau was impressed sufficiently to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We spoke to him and his English was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the young the flanker offers a particular energy. Does he know a player similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

The player's spectacular touchdown against Leinster previously showcased his unusual skill, but a few of his expressive in-game antics have brought accusations of overconfidence.

“At times appears arrogant in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “And he's being serious the whole time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s no fool. I feel on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Hardly any managers would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“We both possess an interest around various topics,” he explains. “We run a book club. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn all there is, wants to experience varied activities, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous things beyond the sport: cinema, books, thoughts, creativity. When we met Stade [Français] in the past season, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more date in the French nation is looming: The Saints' return with the Prem will be brief because the Champions Cup takes over soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Bulls arrive at a week later.

“I refuse to be presumptuous enough to {