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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic location in the world, but its club offers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to run with the ball.

Although playing for a typically British community, they exhibit a panache associated with the best Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash before that.

They currently top the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Bristol on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs altogether, had long intended to be a coach.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “But as you get older, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the real world entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You do the commute a few times, and it was challenging – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Talks with club legends led to a position at Northampton. Move forward eight years and Dowson manages a roster ever more crammed with national team players: key individuals started for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

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

“It's a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be guided by highly engaging people,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage people.”

Northampton play appealing football, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The Gallic player was involved with the French club overcome in the European competition in April when Freeman scored a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend phoned me and stated: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no budget for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend said. That intrigued us. We met with him and his English was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the young Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Each person is unique but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

The player's breathtaking touchdown against the Irish side in the past campaign illustrated his unusual ability, but various his expressive on-field antics have led to allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion appears cocky in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”

Hardly any coaches would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.

“We both share an interest about diverse subjects,” he notes. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore everything, aims to learn everything, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about many topics away from the sport: cinema, reading, thoughts, culture. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more fixture in the French nation is looming: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event kicks in next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls arrive at soon after.

“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {