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This English town isn't exactly the most exotic spot in the world, but its club delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a place known for shoe production, you might expect boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a quintessentially English location, they display a flair typical of the best French practitioners of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and progressed well in the continental tournament – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash earlier.

They sit atop the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, had long intended to be a trainer.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “However as you get older, you understand how much you love the game, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was tough – you see what you have going for you.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a position at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson leads a roster progressively filled with national team players: prominent figures lined up for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect from the replacements in the national team's flawless campaign while the fly-half, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this remarkable group attributable to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“It's a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is certainly one of the reasons they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage people.”

The team execute appealing the game, which proved literally true in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was involved with the opposing team overcome in the European competition in the spring when Freeman registered a three tries. Belleau admired the style enough to buck the pattern of English talent moving to France.

“An associate called me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock brings a unique enthusiasm. Does he know anyone like him? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Each person is individual but Henry is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

His sensational score against their opponents previously showcased his freakish ability, but some of his expressive on-field behavior have brought claims of cockiness.

“At times seems cocky in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Pollock is being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has input – he’s not a clown. I feel at times it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any managers would claim to have having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Vesty.

“We both possess an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a reading group. He wants to see everything, aims to learn all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We talk about lots of topics beyond the sport: movies, literature, concepts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another fixture in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the European tournament kicks in soon. Pau, in the vicinity of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team travel to the following weekend.

“I refuse to be presumptuous sufficiently to {