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Northampton is hardly the most tropical spot globally, but its squad offers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a city renowned for footwear manufacturing, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Even though embodying a typically British community, they showcase a panache typical of the best Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier games for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “Yet as you get older, you realise how much you appreciate the game, and what the real world entails. I spent some time at a banking firm doing a trial period. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was challenging – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with former mentors culminated in a job at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson guides a roster ever more filled with global stars: prominent figures were selected for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this remarkable group due to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my career, my training methods, how I manage individuals.”

Saints demonstrate attractive football, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was part of the French club defeated in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman registered a triple. He admired the style to such an extent to buck the pattern of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate phoned me and remarked: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We lack the budget for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We met with Anthony and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. 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 encountered a player comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s unique but Henry is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s breathtaking score against the Irish side previously showcased his freakish talent, but a few of his demonstrative in-game behavior have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I feel sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence to have around.”

Few coaches would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Together share an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he explains. “We run a reading group. He desires to explore everything, seeks to understand everything, desires to try different things, and I think I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of topics beyond the game: movies, literature, ideas, art. When we played our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another date in France is approaching: The Saints' return with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event takes over soon. Pau, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to soon after.

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