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This English town isn't exactly the most tropical destination on the planet, but its squad offers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a city famous for shoe production, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Despite representing a distinctly UK community, they showcase a style associated with the finest Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round earlier.

They currently top the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier games for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a trainer.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the game, and what the normal employment entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with club legends culminated in a job at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson leads a squad ever more crammed with internationals: prominent figures started for the national side versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.

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

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a unit is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage people.”

Saints demonstrate appealing the game, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The import was involved with the Clermont XV defeated in the continental tournament in last season when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. The player was impressed sufficiently to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

“A friend rang me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have funds for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend informed me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Anthony and his communication was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Does he know an individual comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are original but he is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his unusual skill, but some of his expressive on-field actions have resulted in accusations of cockiness.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And Pollock is not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I think at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence within the team.”

Hardly any managers would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an interest around various topics,” he explains. “We run a literary circle. He wants to see various elements, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter different things, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss numerous things outside the game: films, literature, ideas, culture. When we faced the Parisian club previously, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more fixture in Gall is looming: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {