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This English town is hardly the most tropical destination on the planet, but its club delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to run with the ball.

Although playing for a typically British community, they exhibit a flair associated with the greatest Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and gone deep in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final before that.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite fixtures for multiple clubs altogether, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “Yet as you get older, you realise how much you love the game, and what the normal employment looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with former mentors led to a job at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson manages a roster progressively packed with internationals: prominent figures were selected for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s successful series while the number ten, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this remarkable group due to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be guided by highly engaging individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

The team execute appealing the game, which was clearly evident in the case of Anthony Belleau. The import was part of the opposing team defeated in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. The player admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate phoned me and remarked: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We lack the budget for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my mate told me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a specific vitality. Has he coached anyone comparable? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

The player's breathtaking try against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his freakish ability, but some of his animated in-game actions have resulted in accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s not a clown. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Not many managers would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a reading group. He desires to explore various elements, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try new experiences, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We discuss lots of subjects outside rugby: movies, books, ideas, art. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

Another fixture in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be brief because the continental event takes over next week. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Bulls arrive at a week later.

“I won't be overconfident enough to {