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This English town isn't exactly the most exotic destination on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a city renowned for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold choose to run with the ball.

Despite representing a distinctly UK town, they showcase a panache typical of the best French masters of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the European competition – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by the Irish province in a penultimate round previously.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on the weekend as the just one without a loss, aiming for a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for various teams altogether, always planned to be a trainer.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “Yet as you mature, you understand how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with club legends culminated in a job at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson guides a roster increasingly filled with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, in time, will inherit the pivotal position.

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

“It's a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be guided by highly engaging people,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage individuals.”

Northampton execute entertaining football, which proved literally true in the case of their new signing. The import was part of the French club beaten in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman notched a three tries. He liked what he saw enough to go against the flow of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate phoned me and stated: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘There's no funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That interested me. We met with him and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Henry Pollock offers a particular enthusiasm. Has he coached anyone similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are original but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

His spectacular touchdown against their opponents previously showcased his freakish ability, but some of his animated during matches behavior have resulted in claims of cockiness.

“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s not taking the piss all the time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and great to have in the squad.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“We both possess an inquisitiveness around different things,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He wants to see various elements, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We discuss numerous things away from the game: movies, reading, thoughts, culture. When we played the Parisian club last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

One more match in Gall is looming: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be brief because the European tournament takes over shortly. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.

“I refuse to be overconfident sufficiently to {