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Northampton may not be the most glamorous location in the world, but its rugby union team offers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town known for shoe production, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Although playing for a typically British location, they showcase a style synonymous with the finest French practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the just one without a loss, chasing a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

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

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “But as you age, you realise how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you see what you have going for you.”

Talks with former mentors led to a job at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson leads a squad progressively filled with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for England versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the development of this remarkable generation because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a unit is definitely one of the reasons they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be coached by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “Mallinder had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I manage people.”

The team execute entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was involved with the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in April when the winger notched a triple. He admired the style to such an extent to go against the flow of English talent moving to France.

“An associate called me and stated: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate informed me. That intrigued us. We spoke to him and his language skills was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the young Pollock offers a particular enthusiasm. Has he coached anyone comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are individual but Henry is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking try against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his freakish ability, but various his expressive on-field antics have brought allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has input – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have in the squad.”

Not many coaches would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Vesty.

“We both have an interest regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, seeks to understand everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We converse on numerous subjects away from the sport: films, books, concepts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] in the past season, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further fixture in Gall is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the Champions Cup kicks in shortly. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

“I’m not going to be arrogant enough to {