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Northampton may not be the most exotic spot in the world, but its squad delivers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a city known for shoe production, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to run with the ball.

Even though representing a typically British community, they exhibit a style associated with the finest Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round previously.

They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Ashton Gate on matchday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for multiple clubs combined, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “Yet as you mature, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Discussions with former mentors led to a job at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson manages a team ever more packed with global stars: prominent figures were selected for England facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this remarkable cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“This is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be guided by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “He had a big impact on my career, my training methods, how I manage individuals.”

Northampton play attractive the game, which was clearly evident in the instance of their new signing. The import was involved with the French club overcome in the European competition in the spring when the winger scored a hat-trick. The player admired the style to such an extent to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate called me and said: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We had a conversation with him and his communication was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Pollock brings a unique energy. Has he coached a player similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is unique but he is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against Leinster previously illustrated his freakish skill, but a few of his expressive on-field antics have resulted in accusations of overconfidence.

“He sometimes comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is being serious all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and good fun to have around.”

Few managers would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.

“We both have an interest around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We talk about numerous things away from rugby: movies, books, ideas, creativity. When we faced our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further match in France is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be short-lived because the European tournament intervenes soon. The French side, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous to the extent to {