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Northampton is hardly the most exotic destination on the planet, but its squad offers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for boot‑making, you would think punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold prefer to keep ball in hand.

Although embodying a typically British community, they showcase a flair typical of the greatest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and gone deep in the continental tournament – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the league standings after four wins and a draw and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend 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 participated in 262 premier games for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “Yet as you mature, you realise how much you love the game, and what the normal employment entails. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with former mentors led to a position at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson manages a squad progressively crammed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the Red Rose versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, eventually, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this outstanding group attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“This is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a collective is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting personalities,” he adds. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

The team execute entertaining football, which was clearly evident in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman scored a triple. The player admired the style enough to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend phoned me and remarked: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We lack the funds for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That interested me. We met with Belleau and his language skills was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Does he know a player comparable? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “All players are original but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

The player's spectacular score against the Irish side previously showcased his exceptional talent, but some of his demonstrative during matches behavior have led to allegations of cockiness.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Pollock is not joking around the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence in the squad.”

Few managers would claim to have having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he notes. “We have a book club. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about many things away from the sport: films, literature, concepts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals last year, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

A further date in Gall is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the Prem will be temporary because the continental event kicks in next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team visit a week later.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous to the extent to {