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Northampton may not be the most glamorous spot in the world, but its club delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a place famous for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a typically British town, they display a flair typical of the best Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and gone deep in the Champions Cup – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a semi-final before that.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, chasing a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight fixtures for multiple clubs in total, always planned to be a trainer.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “Yet as you mature, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the real world is like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing a trial period. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson manages a roster ever more packed with global stars: prominent figures lined up for England against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, in time, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the rise of this outstanding group because of the club's environment, or is it chance?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is definitely one of the causes they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I deal with people.”

Saints play appealing rugby, which became obvious in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was a member of the French club defeated in the continental tournament in April when Freeman notched a hat-trick. Belleau was impressed to such an extent to go against the flow of English talent heading across the Channel.

“An associate called me and remarked: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘There's no budget for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his English was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Henry Pollock provides a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached anyone comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but he is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against their opponents previously showcased his freakish talent, but some of his expressive in-game antics have brought allegations of cockiness.

“He sometimes comes across as overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s being serious constantly. Tactically he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I believe on occasion it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence in the squad.”

Few coaches would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I have an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, wants to know everything, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We converse on many subjects outside the sport: movies, reading, ideas, creativity. When we faced our French rivals last year, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more date in the French nation is looming: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be brief because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club travel to the following weekend.

“I refuse to be presumptuous sufficiently to {