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This English town isn't exactly the most tropical destination on the planet, but its club provides plenty of excitement and passion.

In a city known for boot‑making, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English town, they showcase a style typical of the best French exponents of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the Champions Cup – beaten by a French side in last season’s final and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a semi-final before that.

They currently top the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite matches for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a coach.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you age, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing work experience. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was tough – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with former mentors led to a role at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson manages a squad increasingly filled with global stars: key individuals were selected for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect off the bench in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this exceptional cohort attributable to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a unit is definitely one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my career, my management style, how I manage people.”

Northampton play appealing the game, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The import was part of the opposing team beaten in the European competition in April when the winger scored a hat-trick. The player admired the style to such an extent to buck the pattern of English talent moving to France.

“An associate rang me and stated: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with him and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be trained, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging Henry Pollock provides a unique enthusiasm. Does he know a player similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are original but he is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

The player's spectacular try against the Irish side in the past campaign showcased his exceptional ability, but a few of his animated in-game antics have resulted in allegations of cockiness.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”

Few managers would claim to have sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.

“We both share an curiosity about various topics,” he explains. “We maintain a literary circle. He aims to discover all aspects, aims to learn all there is, wants to experience varied activities, and I think I’m the same.

“We discuss lots of subjects away from the sport: cinema, reading, ideas, culture. When we faced Stade [Français] in the past season, the landmark was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further date in Gall is looming: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be short-lived because the Champions Cup intervenes shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

“I refuse to be presumptuous sufficiently to {