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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous location in the world, but its club offers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a city famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Even though playing for a quintessentially English community, they display a flair synonymous with the finest French exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the European competition – losing to their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on matchday as the just one without a loss, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight matches for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the normal employment is like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with former mentors led to a job at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a team progressively packed with internationals: key individuals were selected for the Red Rose facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this remarkable generation attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by exceptionally insightful people,” he adds. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my training methods, how I deal with individuals.”

Northampton demonstrate appealing the game, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was part of the opposing team overcome in the continental tournament in the spring when Freeman notched a hat-trick. He was impressed to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend phoned me and said: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We don’t have budget for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend said. That interested me. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Pollock provides a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached an individual comparable? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

The player's breathtaking try against Leinster in the past campaign illustrated his exceptional ability, but some of his demonstrative during matches behavior have led to claims of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's not taking the piss the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I believe sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence within the team.”

Hardly any coaches would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“Together share an interest about various topics,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know each detail, wants to experience different things, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of topics away from the game: movies, reading, thoughts, creativity. When we played Stade [Français] in the past season, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in Gall is looming: The Saints' return with the Prem will be brief because the European tournament kicks in soon. The French side, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {