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This English town is hardly the most tropical spot in the world, but its club delivers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a city known for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though playing for a quintessentially English town, they showcase a flair synonymous with the greatest Gallic masters of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final earlier.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you appreciate the sport, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was challenging – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with former mentors culminated in a job at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson manages a roster progressively crammed with national team players: key individuals lined up for England against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.

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

“This is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by highly engaging personalities,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage people.”

The team play entertaining football, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was a member of the opposing team defeated in the European competition in April when the winger notched a triple. He liked what he saw enough to buck the pattern of British stars moving to France.

“A mate called me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my mate informed me. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Has he coached anyone similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but Henry is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

The player's sensational score against their opponents last season demonstrated his unusual ability, but a few of his demonstrative during matches actions have led to accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s no fool. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have in the squad.”

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

“We both share an interest regarding diverse subjects,” he explains. “We maintain a reading group. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of topics outside the sport: movies, reading, concepts, art. When we met the Parisian club in the past season, the landmark was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another fixture in Gall is looming: The Saints' return with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event intervenes next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the Bulls arrive at soon after.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous sufficiently to {