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This English town is hardly the most exotic spot in the world, but its club provides plenty of thrills and drama.

In a place known for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though playing for a quintessentially English community, they showcase a style associated with the greatest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and advanced far in the Champions Cup – beaten by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round before that.

They sit atop the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Bristol on matchday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for various teams altogether, had long intended to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you love the rugby, and what the everyday life is like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing a trial period. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a position at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson guides a squad progressively filled with national team players: prominent figures were selected for the national side versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable group due to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting people,” he adds. “He had a major effect on my professional journey, my training methods, how I deal with others.”

Northampton demonstrate entertaining football, which was clearly evident in the example of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was part of the French club overcome in the European competition in the spring when Freeman scored a triple. The player was impressed sufficiently to go against the flow of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend informed me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Belleau and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Henry Pollock provides a specific vitality. Has he coached a player similar? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

The player's sensational touchdown against Leinster in the past campaign showcased his exceptional skill, but various his animated during matches antics have brought claims of cockiness.

“On occasion seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Plus he's being serious constantly. Tactically he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and great to have to have around.”

Few coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I have an curiosity regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He desires to explore everything, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the same.

“We talk about lots of things outside the game: movies, reading, thoughts, art. When we met the Parisian club last year, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another date in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event takes over next week. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club travel to soon after.

“I won't be overconfident sufficiently to {