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Northampton may not be the most exotic location globally, but its rugby union team offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a place known for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.

Although embodying a quintessentially English town, they showcase a style synonymous with the finest French exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and advanced far in the Champions Cup – defeated by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for various teams in total, always planned to be a trainer.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you age, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing an internship. You do the commute a few times, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with club legends led to a job at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a team ever more filled with internationals: prominent figures lined up for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this exceptional group due to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“This is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he notes. “Jim had a major effect on my career, my management style, how I manage others.”

The team play entertaining football, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when Freeman notched a triple. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

“A mate phoned me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Does he know a player like him? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but he is distinct and special in many ways. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

The player's breathtaking try against Leinster last season showcased his unusual talent, but a few of his expressive in-game antics have resulted in allegations of arrogance.

“He sometimes comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “And he's being serious the whole time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”

Not many coaches would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, aims to learn everything, wants to experience different things, and I think I’m the alike.

“We talk about lots of things beyond the game: movies, reading, concepts, culture. When we played the Parisian club previously, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

One more fixture in the French nation is looming: The Saints' return with the English competition will be short-lived because the continental event intervenes shortly. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on the coming weekend before the South African team visit the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {