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This English town may not be the most exotic spot on the planet, but its rugby union team offers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to run with the ball.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English town, they exhibit a flair synonymous with the finest Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a semi-final before that.

They sit atop the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite fixtures for multiple clubs combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment is like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing work experience. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you see what you have going for you.”

Talks with former mentors led to a job at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson guides a roster progressively filled with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the Red Rose versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

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

“This is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I deal with individuals.”

Northampton play appealing football, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The Frenchman was part of the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when Freeman scored a three tries. He admired the style enough to reverse the trend of English talent moving to France.

“A friend called me and said: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my mate told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Belleau and his language skills was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached a player comparable? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but Henry is distinct and special in many ways. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

His breathtaking score against the Irish side previously illustrated his freakish skill, but a few of his expressive during matches antics have led to allegations of arrogance.

“At times appears arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Plus he's being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and good fun to have around.”

Few managers would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I possess an curiosity around diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand all there is, wants to experience varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss lots of subjects away from rugby: cinema, reading, ideas, culture. When we met our French rivals in the past season, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in Gall is approaching: The Saints' reacquaintance with the Prem will be brief because the Champions Cup takes over soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {