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Northampton is hardly the most glamorous destination globally, but its club delivers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a city famous for shoe production, you would think punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a typically British town, they showcase a panache typical of the best French exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have won the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by the Irish province in a penultimate round previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “However as you get older, you understand how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world is like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing an internship. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was tough – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with club legends culminated in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a team ever more filled with national team players: prominent figures were selected for the national side versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s successful series while the number ten, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this exceptional generation attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is certainly one of the reasons they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my career, my training methods, how I deal with others.”

Northampton execute attractive rugby, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The Frenchman was part of the opposing team beaten in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman notched a triple. He was impressed to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.

“An associate rang me and stated: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no money for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to 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 trained, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Pollock provides a particular energy. Does he know a player comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s individual but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

The player's sensational score against the Irish side in the past campaign illustrated his freakish skill, but some of his demonstrative on-field behavior have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus he's not taking the piss constantly. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Not many directors of rugby would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with his co-coach.

“Sam and I possess an curiosity regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He wants to see various elements, seeks to understand all there is, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We converse on many topics outside the sport: films, books, concepts, art. When we played our French rivals previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

A further match in the French nation is approaching: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the European tournament kicks in soon. The French side, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls visit a week later.

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