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Northampton is hardly the most exotic location in the world, but its club delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a town known for shoe production, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues choose to retain possession.

Even though embodying a distinctly UK community, they exhibit a panache typical of the greatest French exponents of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and advanced far in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash earlier.

They currently top the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier matches for various teams in total, had long intended to be a trainer.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “However as you age, you understand how much you love the rugby, and what the everyday life is like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was tough – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with former mentors culminated in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson manages a team increasingly filled with internationals: key individuals lined up for the national side against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this exceptional group because of the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be guided by really interesting people,” he says. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my professional journey, my training methods, how I manage individuals.”

Saints demonstrate attractive rugby, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the continental tournament in last season when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate phoned me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend told me. That interested me. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and outside the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock offers a particular vitality. Has he coached a player like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “Each person is unique but he is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His spectacular touchdown against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his unusual ability, but various his demonstrative on-field behavior have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“He sometimes appears cocky in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's being serious constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Few directors of rugby would describe themselves as having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Together have an interest around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We run a reading group. He wants to see various elements, seeks to understand everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on numerous subjects beyond the sport: films, literature, thoughts, art. When we faced Stade [Français] in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

A further fixture in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be temporary because the European tournament intervenes soon. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team visit a week later.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous sufficiently to {