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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous spot globally, but its squad provides a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a town known for boot‑making, you could anticipate kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold prefer to run with the ball.

Although playing for a typically British location, they display a flair associated with the greatest French practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and progressed well in the Champions Cup – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash earlier.

They lead the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the just one without a loss, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for various teams in total, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you get older, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world entails. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at Northampton. Move forward eight years and Dowson manages a team progressively filled with national team players: key individuals were selected for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, eventually, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the development of this outstanding generation due to the team's ethos, or is it luck?

“It is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is definitely one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he notes. “Jim had a significant influence on my career, my coaching, how I interact with people.”

The team demonstrate entertaining rugby, which proved literally true in the case of the French fly-half. The import was a member of the opposing team beaten in the European competition in April when the winger scored a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to reverse the trend of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and said: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my contact said. That caught my attention. We met with Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Pollock provides a specific enthusiasm. Does he know an individual comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking try against Leinster in the past campaign demonstrated his exceptional talent, but a few of his animated in-game actions have resulted in allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion appears cocky in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is not joking around constantly. Tactically he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have within the team.”

Not many coaches would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Together share an interest around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We have a book club. He desires to explore various elements, aims to learn everything, desires to try different things, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of things outside the sport: films, books, thoughts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further date in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be brief because the continental event takes over next week. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team visit soon after.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous to the extent to {