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This English town may not be the most exotic destination on the planet, but its squad provides a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a town known for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ primary strategy. However under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Although playing for a distinctly UK town, they showcase a flair synonymous with the greatest Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for multiple clubs in total, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with former mentors resulted in a position at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a roster ever more crammed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for the national side against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this exceptional group attributable to the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a unit is definitely one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my career, my training methods, how I deal with individuals.”

Northampton execute attractive football, which proved literally true in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger notched a three tries. The player was impressed enough to buck the pattern of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate called me and said: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That interested me. We met with Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the young Pollock offers a particular energy. Has he encountered an individual like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

His sensational score against the Irish side previously showcased his freakish skill, but a few of his animated on-field actions have brought accusations of cockiness.

“At times seems arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Pollock is not taking the piss all the time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Not many coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“We both share an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, wants to know all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of subjects beyond the game: cinema, books, ideas, art. When we played the Parisian club previously, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the Champions Cup kicks in shortly. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Bulls visit the following weekend.

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