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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous spot globally, but its rugby union team provides a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a town famous for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors prefer to run with the ball.

Despite representing a distinctly UK community, they exhibit a style typical of the greatest Gallic masters of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and travel to Bristol on the weekend as the just one without a loss, aiming for a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “Yet as you age, you comprehend how much you love the sport, and what the normal employment entails. I spent some time at a banking firm doing a trial period. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Talks with club legends resulted in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a squad increasingly crammed with national team players: key individuals lined up for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

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

“It's a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by highly engaging personalities,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

The team execute appealing football, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. The player was impressed sufficiently to go against the flow of British stars moving to France.

“A friend rang me and said: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no money for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Does he know a player comparable? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Each person is unique but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

The player's spectacular score against the Irish side previously showcased his unusual ability, but a few of his expressive during matches antics have led to accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion appears cocky in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I think at times it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Hardly any coaches would admit to sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I have an curiosity about various topics,” he says. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover everything, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience varied activities, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We talk about numerous subjects away from the sport: films, literature, ideas, culture. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

One more date in the French nation is approaching: The Saints' comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event takes over soon. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team arrive at soon after.

“I refuse to be presumptuous enough to {