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This English town may not be the most glamorous location in the world, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town known for boot‑making, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues opt to retain possession.

Although representing a typically British town, they exhibit a flair synonymous with the greatest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the Champions Cup – defeated by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a penultimate round before that.

They currently top the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on matchday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for various teams altogether, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you get older, you realise how much you love the game, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was tough – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson leads a squad increasingly packed with national team players: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact as a substitute in the national team's successful series while the number ten, down the line, will inherit the fly-half role.

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

“It's a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be guided by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he notes. “Mallinder had a big impact on my career, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Saints execute attractive the game, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was involved with the French club overcome in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman notched a hat-trick. He liked what he saw to such an extent to buck the pattern of English talent moving to France.

“A mate phoned me and remarked: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my mate informed me. That interested me. We had a conversation with Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Henry Pollock offers a particular vitality. Does he know anyone similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Each person is original but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s breathtaking score against Leinster last season showcased his exceptional talent, but a few of his demonstrative during matches antics have resulted in claims of arrogance.

“On occasion seems cocky in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Pollock is being serious all the time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I feel sometimes it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have within the team.”

Hardly any coaches would claim to have having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“We both possess an interest around different things,” he explains. “We maintain a reading group. He desires to explore various elements, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We discuss numerous things away from the game: films, reading, ideas, art. When we played our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

One more match in Gall is looming: The Saints' return with the Prem will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes next week. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be arrogant to the extent to {