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Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical destination in the world, but its rugby union team offers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you would think punting to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though playing for a typically British community, they showcase a style associated with the finest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and eliminated by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the league standings after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “Yet as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world looks like. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing work experience. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was tough – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson leads a roster progressively packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, eventually, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the development of this outstanding group because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It's a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by highly engaging personalities,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my career, my management style, how I manage others.”

Northampton demonstrate entertaining rugby, which proved literally true in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in last season when Tommy Freeman registered a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw enough to reverse the trend of British stars moving to France.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We met with him and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and beyond the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old the flanker provides a particular energy. Has he coached an individual like him? “No,” Dowson replies. “All players are individual but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against the Irish side previously showcased his freakish skill, but a few of his demonstrative during matches antics have brought claims of cockiness.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Pollock is not joking around the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s no fool. I feel sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Not many coaches would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“We both share an interest regarding various topics,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience varied activities, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We converse on many topics beyond the sport: films, books, ideas, art. When we met the Parisian club previously, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

One more match in Gall is looming: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team visit the following weekend.

“I refuse to be presumptuous to the extent to {