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This English town may not be the most exotic destination globally, but its squad delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.

Despite representing a typically British location, they exhibit a panache associated with the best French practitioners of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – beaten by a French side in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a semi-final previously.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs combined, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you love the sport, and what the normal employment entails. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You travel to work a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a job at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson manages a team ever more filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for England against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the development of this outstanding cohort due to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It's a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he says. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my training methods, how I deal with others.”

Northampton demonstrate appealing the game, which proved literally true in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The import was involved with the French club beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when Freeman scored a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to go against the flow of British stars moving to France.

“An associate rang me and said: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We don’t have budget for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Anthony and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the young the flanker brings a unique energy. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but he is distinct and special in many ways. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

His breathtaking try against the Irish side last season showcased his unusual ability, but a few of his expressive during matches antics have resulted in claims of overconfidence.

“He sometimes seems cocky in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Few managers would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with his co-coach.

“Together possess an curiosity around various topics,” he says. “We maintain a reading group. He wants to see various elements, seeks to understand each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss many topics outside rugby: movies, reading, ideas, art. When we faced the Parisian club previously, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the European tournament takes over shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the South African team arrive at soon after.

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