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This English town is hardly the most tropical spot on the planet, but its squad offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for boot‑making, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Although playing for a typically British town, they showcase a style typical of the best Gallic masters of expansive play.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have won the English top flight and advanced far in the European competition – defeated by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a last-four clash previously.

They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and travel to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite matches for various teams altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You do the commute a few times, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a squad progressively crammed with national team players: prominent figures lined up for the national side facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this remarkable group attributable to the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“It is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he says. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage people.”

The team play appealing football, which was clearly evident in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the French club defeated in the European competition in the spring when the winger registered a triple. The player was impressed sufficiently to reverse the trend of English talent moving to France.

“A friend called me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my friend said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Anthony and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the young Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Does he know a player like him? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

Pollock’s sensational try against their opponents previously showcased his freakish ability, but a few of his animated during matches behavior have brought claims of arrogance.

“He sometimes seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's not joking around all the time. Game-wise he has input – he’s no fool. I feel sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and good fun to have around.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Sam and I possess an inquisitiveness regarding different things,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on many things away from the game: cinema, reading, thoughts, art. When we faced our French rivals last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

A further match in Gall is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be short-lived because the continental event kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club visit the following weekend.

“I won't be overconfident enough to {