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This English town is hardly the most glamorous spot globally, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. However under leader Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.

Despite representing a distinctly UK location, they showcase a panache synonymous with the finest French practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a semi-final earlier.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit their West Country rivals on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, seeking a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight games for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the normal employment entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with club legends culminated in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson leads a roster ever more packed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, in time, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this exceptional group attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by highly engaging personalities,” he adds. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage people.”

Northampton demonstrate appealing the game, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman registered a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style enough to reverse the trend of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend phoned me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We don’t have budget for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he encountered a player similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

The player's sensational touchdown against the Irish side previously showcased his exceptional skill, but some of his demonstrative during matches actions have led to accusations of overconfidence.

“At times appears cocky in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Pollock is not taking the piss constantly. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have within the team.”

Few coaches would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an curiosity around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We have a literary circle. He aims to discover all aspects, aims to learn each detail, desires to try different things, and I think I’m the same.

“We discuss many things outside the game: cinema, books, ideas, culture. When we played our French rivals previously, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

One more date in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be short-lived because the European tournament kicks in shortly. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team visit the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant sufficiently to {