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Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical spot on the planet, but its club delivers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a city renowned for boot‑making, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Despite representing a distinctly UK location, they display a flair typical of the finest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – beaten by a French side in last season’s final and eliminated by the Irish province in a last-four clash previously.

They lead the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit Bristol on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for various teams altogether, always planned to be a manager.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “However as you age, you comprehend how much you enjoy the game, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Conversations with former mentors led to a role at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson leads a team increasingly crammed with internationals: key individuals lined up for England facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the fly-half role.

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

“It is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with people.”

Saints demonstrate attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the European competition in the spring when Freeman registered a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate called me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We lack the funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the young the flanker provides a specific vitality. Has he encountered an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Each person is original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

His sensational score against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his exceptional ability, but a few of his demonstrative during matches behavior have brought allegations of cockiness.

“On occasion seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Plus he's being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel sometimes it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”

Hardly any coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Vesty.

“We both possess an interest around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, aims to learn everything, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We talk about lots of subjects beyond the sport: films, books, ideas, creativity. When we played our French rivals in the past season, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in Gall is approaching: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be short-lived because the continental event takes over soon. Pau, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club arrive at a week later.

“I refuse to be arrogant to the extent to {