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This English town may not be the most exotic spot in the world, but its rugby union team offers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a town famous for boot‑making, you would think punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Despite representing a distinctly UK town, they exhibit a style synonymous with the best French practitioners of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.

They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you mature, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson guides a roster ever more filled with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for England against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this remarkable group attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“This is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a collective is definitely one of the reasons they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be coached by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

Northampton play appealing the game, which became obvious in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the opposing team defeated in the continental tournament in the spring when Freeman registered a three tries. He liked what he saw to such an extent to reverse the trend of British stars moving to France.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have budget for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my friend told me. That interested me. We met with him and his language skills was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s individual but Henry is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

His sensational try against the Irish side last season illustrated his unusual talent, but some of his demonstrative in-game antics have resulted in accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Pollock is not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s no fool. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and good fun to have around.”

Hardly any managers would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Vesty.

“We both have an curiosity regarding diverse subjects,” he notes. “We maintain a literary circle. He aims to discover everything, aims to learn all there is, aims to encounter varied activities, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We converse on many things outside the game: cinema, literature, ideas, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more date in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be short-lived because the continental event kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Bulls arrive at soon after.

“I refuse to be presumptuous sufficiently to {