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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic destination on the planet, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a town renowned for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ main approach. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues opt to retain possession.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English location, they display a panache synonymous with the finest Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a semi-final earlier.

They sit atop the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Bristol on matchday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you age, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was tough – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at Northampton. Move forward eight years and Dowson leads a squad progressively filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this remarkable cohort due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a unit is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I interact with people.”

Saints play appealing football, which became obvious in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team beaten in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger scored a triple. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate called me and remarked: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the young the flanker offers a specific energy. Has he coached anyone comparable? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

The player's spectacular touchdown against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his unusual ability, but some of his expressive during matches actions have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as overconfident in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “And he's being serious constantly. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s no fool. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence within the team.”

Few managers would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Vesty.

“Together have an inquisitiveness around different things,” he notes. “We have a reading group. He wants to see all aspects, wants to know everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of subjects away from the game: cinema, reading, thoughts, culture. When we met our French rivals last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the domestic league will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes shortly. Pau, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls travel to soon after.

“I refuse to be overconfident enough to {