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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic destination in the world, but its squad offers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a town renowned for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to run with the ball.

Even though playing for a typically British community, they display a flair synonymous with the best Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and advanced far in the European competition – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Leinster in a penultimate round previously.

They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Bristol on Saturday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs combined, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “Yet as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was tough – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a role at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson manages a squad ever more packed with global stars: prominent figures started for the Red Rose versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s successful series while the number ten, down the line, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this exceptional generation because of the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“This is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be coached by highly engaging personalities,” he adds. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with others.”

Saints demonstrate entertaining football, which was clearly evident in the case of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was a member of the French club beaten in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman scored a hat-trick. He was impressed enough to go against the flow of British stars heading across the Channel.

“An associate phoned me and stated: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no budget for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his English was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and beyond the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the young Henry Pollock brings a particular energy. Does he know a player comparable? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but Henry is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

His spectacular try against their opponents previously illustrated his unusual ability, but a few of his expressive in-game actions have led to allegations of cockiness.

“At times seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “And Pollock is being serious the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and great to have in the squad.”

Hardly any coaches would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“We both have an inquisitiveness regarding different things,” he says. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore everything, aims to learn all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of subjects beyond the game: films, books, ideas, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] last year, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' comeback with the English competition will be short-lived because the European tournament kicks in next week. Pau, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Bulls arrive at soon after.

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