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Northampton is hardly the most exotic destination in the world, but its squad delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Saints’ primary strategy. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Although embodying a typically British location, they exhibit a panache typical of the greatest French masters of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and gone deep in the continental tournament – beaten by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the Prem table after four wins and a draw and travel to Ashton Gate on matchday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

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

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing an internship. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors led to a job at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a team increasingly packed with national team players: prominent figures were selected for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect off the bench in the national team's successful series while Fin Smith, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this outstanding group because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a collective is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

Northampton play entertaining football, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The import was part of the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman notched a hat-trick. The player liked what he saw enough to buck the pattern of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate phoned me and remarked: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘There's no money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That intrigued us. We spoke to Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock brings a specific enthusiasm. Does he know a player similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Each person is unique but Pollock is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

The player's spectacular touchdown against Leinster previously illustrated his unusual talent, but a few of his animated on-field behavior have resulted in claims of cockiness.

“On occasion seems cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel sometimes it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have within the team.”

Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I share an interest regarding different things,” he explains. “We run a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of subjects beyond rugby: cinema, reading, thoughts, art. When we faced the Parisian club in the past season, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further match in France is approaching: The Saints' return with the Prem will be short-lived because the European tournament intervenes shortly. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the Bulls arrive at soon after.

“I refuse to be overconfident enough to {