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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous location on the planet, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place renowned for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a typically British community, they showcase a panache typical of the best French practitioners of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and progressed well in the Champions Cup – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit their West Country rivals on matchday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, had long intended to be a trainer.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “But as you age, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing an internship. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”

Talks with club legends resulted in a role at the Saints. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson manages a squad progressively filled with national team players: prominent figures started for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this outstanding generation due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “He had a big impact on my career, my training methods, how I deal with others.”

Northampton demonstrate entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman registered a triple. The player admired the style to such an extent to go against the flow of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate phoned me and remarked: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was outstanding, he was eloquent, 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 away from the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Henry Pollock provides a particular enthusiasm. Has he coached an individual comparable? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s individual but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking try against Leinster previously demonstrated his exceptional ability, but a few of his demonstrative in-game behavior have led to claims of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Pollock is being serious constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s not a clown. I believe on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Few managers would claim to have sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he notes. “We run a book club. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I believe I’m the same.

“We discuss numerous topics away from the sport: films, literature, concepts, creativity. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event takes over shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team travel to the following weekend.

“I refuse to be arrogant to the extent to {