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This English town may not be the most glamorous location globally, but its squad provides an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Although representing a distinctly UK community, they display a flair typical of the greatest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Leinster in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and visit their West Country rivals on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for various teams combined, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “Yet as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the normal employment is like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson leads a squad progressively filled with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, down the line, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the development of this exceptional generation because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a group is definitely one of the factors they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he says. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

Northampton play attractive rugby, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was part of the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in April when the winger notched a triple. He admired the style enough to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his language skills was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and away from the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging the flanker provides a particular energy. Does he know anyone similar? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Henry is distinct and special in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s spectacular try against the Irish side previously demonstrated his unusual talent, but a few of his demonstrative during matches behavior have led to allegations of cockiness.

“He sometimes comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s not joking around the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s no fool. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and good fun to have around.”

Hardly any managers would describe themselves as having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Vesty.

“We both share an interest regarding various topics,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore various elements, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience varied activities, and I think I’m the same.

“We talk about numerous topics beyond the game: cinema, reading, ideas, creativity. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more match in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over next week. Pau, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the Bulls travel to soon after.

“I refuse to be arrogant sufficiently to {