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Northampton may not be the most exotic destination globally, but its rugby union team provides plenty of excitement and passion.

In a place known for shoe production, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's main approach. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English town, they display a panache associated with the finest French exponents of expansive play.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round before that.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for multiple clubs combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was tough – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Talks with club legends led to a job at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a team ever more filled with national team players: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this exceptional cohort attributable to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be guided by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “Mallinder had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage people.”

Saints play attractive football, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was part of the French club defeated in the continental tournament in last season when Tommy Freeman registered a three tries. The player was impressed sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players moving to France.

“A mate rang me and stated: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We don’t have budget for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with him and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and beyond the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Pollock provides a unique vitality. Has he coached an individual like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

The player's breathtaking try against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his exceptional talent, but a few of his animated in-game actions have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“At times appears overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s not taking the piss the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think at times it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun to have around.”

Few managers would describe themselves as having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with his co-coach.

“We both share an inquisitiveness regarding various topics,” he says. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We converse on lots of things away from rugby: movies, books, ideas, culture. When we met Stade [Français] in the past season, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

One more fixture in France is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the Prem will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over soon. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team visit the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {