🔗 Share this article

This English town is hardly the most glamorous location globally, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a town famous for boot‑making, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a distinctly UK location, they display a panache typical of the best French exponents of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Bristol on Saturday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for various teams combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “However as you get older, you realise how much you love the game, and what the everyday life looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing a trial period. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with club legends resulted in a role at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson guides a team increasingly packed with internationals: key individuals lined up for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, eventually, will inherit the fly-half role.

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

“This is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a group is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be coached by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he says. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I deal with people.”

Saints execute attractive football, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Frenchman was part of the French club overcome in the European competition in last season when Freeman registered a hat-trick. He liked what he saw to such an extent to reverse the trend of English talent moving to France.

“An associate called me and remarked: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my contact told me. That caught my attention. We spoke to Belleau and his language skills was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock offers a specific energy. Has he encountered an individual similar? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “All players are individual but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

The player's breathtaking try against the Irish side previously demonstrated his freakish skill, but a few of his expressive in-game antics have brought accusations of cockiness.

“On occasion appears cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Henry’s being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Vesty.

“Together share an curiosity regarding various topics,” he notes. “We run a book club. He wants to see various elements, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We converse on many subjects beyond the game: movies, reading, concepts, creativity. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

One more date in Gall is looming: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event takes over soon. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on the coming weekend before the Bulls visit a week later.

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