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This English town isn't exactly the most tropical destination in the world, but its squad offers a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Although playing for a quintessentially English community, they showcase a panache synonymous with the finest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by the Irish province in a last-four clash earlier.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on the weekend as the just one without a loss, aiming for a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for multiple clubs in total, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “However as you get older, you realise how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing a trial period. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with club legends culminated in a role at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson manages a team progressively filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this exceptional cohort because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by really interesting people,” he adds. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage individuals.”

Northampton execute attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the instance of the French fly-half. The import was part of the French club defeated in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. The player was impressed to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate rang me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate said. That interested me. We met with Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Henry Pollock provides a specific vitality. Has he encountered an individual comparable? “Never,” Dowson responds. “All players are original but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

His breathtaking score against Leinster last season showcased his exceptional ability, but some of his animated on-field behavior have led to accusations of cockiness.

“On occasion seems overconfident in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus he's not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and a positive influence within the team.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Vesty.

“Together possess an curiosity about various topics,” he notes. “We have a reading group. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand everything, wants to experience varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about many subjects away from the game: cinema, books, ideas, culture. When we played our French rivals previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in France is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the Prem will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.

“I won't be overconfident sufficiently to {