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This English town isn't exactly the most exotic destination globally, but its rugby union team offers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a place known for shoe production, you would think punting to be the Saints’ main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues opt to run with the ball.

Despite representing a typically British town, they exhibit a panache associated with the greatest French masters of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.

They lead the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, chasing a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight matches for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you realise how much you appreciate the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you see what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with club legends led to a role at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a team increasingly filled with internationals: key individuals lined up for the Red Rose facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, down the line, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the development of this outstanding group attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“This is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by highly engaging people,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my career, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”

Northampton execute appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman scored a triple. Belleau liked what he saw enough to go against the flow of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That intrigued us. We spoke to him and his language skills was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the young the flanker offers a unique enthusiasm. Does he know anyone comparable? “No,” Dowson responds. “Each person is individual but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against Leinster previously demonstrated his unusual talent, but some of his animated during matches behavior have resulted in claims of cockiness.

“At times seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I feel on occasion it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and great to have to have around.”

Few coaches would describe themselves as having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.

“Together possess an inquisitiveness around different things,” he explains. “We have a reading group. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn all there is, aims to encounter different things, and I believe I’m the same.

“We discuss lots of subjects outside rugby: cinema, reading, thoughts, culture. When we played the Parisian club previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in France is looming: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be brief because the continental event intervenes soon. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club travel to a week later.

“I won't be overconfident to the extent to {