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Northampton is hardly the most tropical location globally, but its rugby union team provides plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town known for boot‑making, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to run with the ball.

Although playing for a quintessentially English community, they showcase a panache associated with the finest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 elite games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the normal employment entails. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing a trial period. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a squad increasingly packed with internationals: key individuals were selected for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

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

“It's a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a collective is definitely one of the causes they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage others.”

Northampton play appealing football, which became obvious in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the opposing team beaten in the continental tournament in April when the winger notched a hat-trick. Belleau was impressed to such an extent to reverse the trend of British stars moving to France.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my contact said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a specific energy. Does he know an individual similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Each person is unique but Pollock is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s sensational score against their opponents previously illustrated his exceptional skill, but some of his expressive on-field behavior have resulted in allegations of arrogance.

“At times appears cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “And Henry’s being serious constantly. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Sam and I have an curiosity regarding diverse subjects,” he explains. “We maintain a literary circle. He aims to discover all aspects, seeks to understand everything, desires to try varied activities, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We discuss many things outside the sport: films, books, thoughts, culture. When we met Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

One more fixture in France is approaching: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be short-lived because the European tournament takes over next week. The French side, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on matchday before the South African team visit soon after.

“I refuse to be arrogant enough to {