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Northampton may not be the most exotic spot globally, but its squad provides an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a city known for boot‑making, you might expect boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Even though playing for a typically British community, they showcase a flair synonymous with the greatest French practitioners of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for multiple clubs combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “But as you age, you realise how much you enjoy the game, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you have going for you.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a position at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson manages a squad ever more crammed with internationals: prominent figures lined up for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this remarkable generation due to the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage people.”

Saints demonstrate entertaining the game, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Frenchman was involved with the French club defeated in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. The player admired the style to such an extent to buck the pattern of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend phoned me and said: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the chance to test himself,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Belleau and his communication was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock brings a specific vitality. Does he know anyone comparable? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular try against Leinster previously illustrated his exceptional skill, but a few of his expressive in-game actions have brought allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's not taking the piss all the time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s no fool. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence in the squad.”

Few coaches would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Vesty.

“We both share an curiosity around various topics,” he notes. “We run a literary circle. He aims to discover everything, aims to learn everything, aims to encounter different things, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on many topics away from rugby: cinema, reading, ideas, creativity. When we met the Parisian club in the past season, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in France is coming up: The Saints' return with the English competition will be brief because the European tournament takes over next week. Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the South African team visit a week later.

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