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This English town may not be the most glamorous location on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you would think punting to be the Northampton's main approach. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though embodying a distinctly UK town, they exhibit a flair typical of the best Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the continental tournament – defeated by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by the Irish province in a penultimate round earlier.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on matchday as the just one without a loss, chasing a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was challenging – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with former mentors led to a position at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a roster progressively packed with global stars: prominent figures started for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence from the replacements in the national team's successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

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

“It's a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, a former boss at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be coached by highly engaging people,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my career, my coaching, how I interact with people.”

Saints execute entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was involved with the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in April when the winger registered a triple. He admired the style to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate rang me and stated: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the possibility to test himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We spoke to Anthony and his language skills was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock brings a specific energy. Does he know an individual similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s unique but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s sensational touchdown against the Irish side previously illustrated his unusual skill, but a few of his expressive on-field antics have brought accusations of overconfidence.

“He sometimes appears arrogant in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's not taking the piss constantly. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Few coaches would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an curiosity around different things,” he explains. “We have a reading group. He wants to see everything, wants to know all there is, aims to encounter varied activities, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We talk about lots of subjects outside rugby: movies, literature, thoughts, culture. When we met our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

A further fixture in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event kicks in next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team visit the following weekend.

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