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This English town may not be the most glamorous destination in the world, but its squad provides plenty of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Despite representing a quintessentially English community, they showcase a style typical of the finest Gallic masters of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and gone deep in the Champions Cup – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the just one without a loss, seeking a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for multiple clubs combined, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you love the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was challenging – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson manages a roster progressively packed with internationals: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this remarkable group due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by highly engaging individuals,” he says. “He had a major effect on my career, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Northampton execute appealing football, which proved literally true in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the European competition in the spring when the winger notched a triple. The player was impressed to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players moving to France.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate informed me. That interested me. We had a conversation with Anthony and his communication was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered a player similar? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Each person is original but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

The player's sensational score against their opponents previously showcased his exceptional skill, but some of his animated during matches antics have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I feel on occasion it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence within the team.”

Hardly any managers would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Vesty.

“We both have an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he explains. “We run a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, wants to know everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We converse on many things outside rugby: cinema, literature, concepts, culture. When we met the Parisian club in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in France is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are up first on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to the following weekend.

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