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Northampton may not be the most tropical destination in the world, but its club provides a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.

Even though playing for a typically British town, they display a panache synonymous with the finest Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and progressed well in the European competition – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a penultimate round previously.

They lead the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite fixtures for various teams altogether, always planned to be a coach.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “But as you mature, you realise how much you appreciate the sport, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with club legends led to a job at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson guides a roster ever more filled with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's successful series while the number ten, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the development of this outstanding cohort attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a collective is certainly one of the reasons they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with others.”

Saints play entertaining the game, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team overcome in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman scored a triple. He admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of British stars moving to France.

“A friend phoned me and remarked: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no budget for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Pollock brings a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s original but he is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

The player's breathtaking try against the Irish side previously showcased his unusual talent, but some of his expressive on-field antics have resulted in accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion seems cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “And he's being serious all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and great to have in the squad.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“Together share an curiosity around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We have a book club. He wants to see all aspects, wants to know all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on lots of subjects beyond the game: cinema, reading, ideas, culture. When we faced the Parisian club in the past season, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

One more date in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event intervenes soon. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are up first on matchday before the Bulls arrive at a week later.

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