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Northampton may not be the most glamorous spot in the world, but its rugby union team provides plenty of romance and adventure.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Although embodying a typically British town, they showcase a panache synonymous with the greatest French exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and progressed well in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a penultimate round before that.

They sit atop the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you get older, you understand how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the everyday life looks like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing an internship. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson leads a team progressively packed with global stars: key individuals started for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.

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

“It is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a unit is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Saints demonstrate attractive football, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was part of the Clermont XV overcome in the Champions Cup in April when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. The player liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate called me and said: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Belleau and his communication was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the Top 14. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old the flanker offers a specific vitality. Has he coached a player similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is unique but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

His sensational try against Leinster in the past campaign demonstrated his exceptional talent, but a few of his animated in-game behavior have brought accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion seems cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s being serious all the time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Few managers would claim to have having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Together possess an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a reading group. He desires to explore various elements, aims to learn all there is, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We talk about lots of topics outside the game: movies, literature, ideas, art. When we played the Parisian club in the past season, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more match in France is approaching: The Saints' comeback with the English competition will be brief because the Champions Cup kicks in soon. Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

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