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This English town isn't exactly the most tropical location in the world, but its rugby union team provides a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues choose to run with the ball.

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

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and head to Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier games for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you get older, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster ever more filled with global stars: prominent figures were selected for the national side versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

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

“This is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be guided by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my training methods, how I deal with people.”

Northampton demonstrate entertaining football, which was clearly evident in the example of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was involved with the French club defeated in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players moving to France.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We don’t have funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate informed me. That intrigued us. We spoke to him and his communication was excellent, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock brings a specific vitality. Has he coached an individual similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but he is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s breathtaking try against Leinster last season illustrated his exceptional ability, but a few of his expressive in-game behavior have led to accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s not joking around constantly. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence in the squad.”

Few directors of rugby would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Together share an interest around various topics,” he notes. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on many subjects outside the game: movies, literature, ideas, art. When we played our French rivals last year, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further fixture in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team travel to a week later.

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