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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous destination globally, but its squad provides a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a place famous for boot‑making, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues opt to retain possession.

Despite representing a typically British community, they display a style synonymous with the greatest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have won the Premiership and advanced far in the Champions Cup – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round earlier.

They currently top the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and visit Bristol on the weekend as the just one without a loss, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, always planned to be a coach.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was tough – you see what you possess and lack.”

Talks with former mentors resulted in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a team ever more filled with global stars: key individuals lined up for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this remarkable cohort because of the team's ethos, or is it luck?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a group is definitely one of the reasons they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting people,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage individuals.”

Saints execute appealing the game, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The import was part of the Clermont XV defeated in the continental tournament in April when Freeman scored a three tries. He liked what he saw enough to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“An associate called me and said: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘There's no funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We spoke to him and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the young Henry Pollock provides a specific energy. Has he encountered a player like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular try against Leinster in the past campaign demonstrated his exceptional skill, but a few of his demonstrative on-field behavior have resulted in accusations of cockiness.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Furthermore he's being serious constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s no fool. I feel at times it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any managers would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Vesty.

“Together possess an curiosity about various topics,” he notes. “We have a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, seeks to understand everything, desires to try varied activities, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We discuss numerous subjects away from the sport: films, literature, ideas, creativity. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in France is approaching: The Saints' return with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. The French side, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team travel to soon after.

“I won't be presumptuous enough to {