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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic location in the world, but its club delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place famous for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Northampton's main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a distinctly UK location, they display a panache synonymous with the finest French practitioners of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on Saturday as the just one without a loss, chasing a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight matches for various teams in total, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “Yet as you mature, you realise how much you love the rugby, and what the everyday life is like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing work experience. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with club legends culminated in a position at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a team ever more crammed with internationals: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.

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

“It is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he notes. “Jim had a significant influence on my professional journey, my coaching, how I deal with others.”

The team execute attractive rugby, which became obvious in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was a member of the opposing team overcome in the continental tournament in the spring when Freeman registered a three tries. The player was impressed sufficiently to go against the flow of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and stated: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have budget for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Anthony and his language skills was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock provides a particular energy. Has he coached anyone comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s original but he is different and unique in many ways. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against the Irish side previously showcased his exceptional ability, but some of his expressive during matches antics have brought accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus he's not taking the piss the whole time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Few managers would describe themselves as having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an interest around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We run a book club. He desires to explore everything, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on many things beyond the game: films, literature, concepts, art. When we met the Parisian club last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

One more fixture in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes next week. Pau, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls travel to the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant to the extent to {