🔗 Share this article

Northampton may not be the most exotic location globally, but its club offers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place known for shoe production, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues prefer to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a distinctly UK town, they showcase a flair associated with the finest Gallic exponents of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and progressed well in the European competition – beaten by a French side in the ultimate match and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a semi-final before that.

They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and travel to Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, always planned to be a coach.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “But as you get older, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Talks with club legends led to a role at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson leads a squad progressively crammed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.

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

“It's a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a unit is certainly one of the reasons they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting people,” he says. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with others.”

Saints demonstrate attractive rugby, which was clearly evident in the example of their new signing. The import was involved with the Clermont XV defeated in the continental tournament in the spring when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate called me and said: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no budget for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with him and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a specific vitality. Has he coached a player comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is unique but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

His spectacular score against the Irish side in the past campaign illustrated his freakish ability, but a few of his animated in-game antics have resulted in allegations of cockiness.

“He sometimes appears cocky in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “And Pollock is not taking the piss the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and great to have in the squad.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would claim to have sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Vesty.

“Together possess an curiosity about various topics,” he explains. “We have a reading group. He wants to see various elements, aims to learn all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We discuss numerous subjects away from the game: films, reading, ideas, art. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

Another match in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the continental event kicks in shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Bulls visit soon after.

“I won't be arrogant sufficiently to {