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This English town may not be the most exotic destination in the world, but its rugby union team provides a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a place known for boot‑making, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.

Despite representing a quintessentially English community, they showcase a panache associated with the greatest French exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the continental tournament – beaten by a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round earlier.

They lead the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “However as you age, you comprehend how much you love the sport, and what the everyday life is like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing work experience. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was tough – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with club legends led to a position at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a team increasingly filled with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this exceptional generation because of the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a group is definitely one of the reasons they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, another predecessor at their stadium, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be coached by highly engaging personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a major effect on my professional journey, my training methods, how I interact with individuals.”

Saints play appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the example of the French fly-half. The import was part of the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in last season when the winger scored a hat-trick. Belleau was impressed sufficiently to go against the flow of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate rang me and said: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no budget for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Does he know a player comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

His sensational touchdown against the Irish side in the past campaign illustrated his freakish skill, but various his demonstrative in-game actions have brought claims of overconfidence.

“At times appears cocky in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s not joking around the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”

Few coaches would admit to having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“We both share an interest around various topics,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on numerous things beyond the sport: films, books, concepts, art. When we played the Parisian club in the past season, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

One more date in France is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in soon. Pau, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team travel to the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous enough to {