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This English town isn't exactly the most exotic destination in the world, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold choose to run with the ball.

Even though playing for a quintessentially English community, they exhibit a style typical of the finest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the Champions Cup – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for various teams altogether, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “Yet as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the game, and what the normal employment is like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was tough – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Discussions with former mentors led to a position at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a squad increasingly filled with internationals: key individuals were selected for England against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact from the replacements in the national team's flawless campaign while Fin Smith, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the rise of this remarkable group because of the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“It is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by exceptionally insightful people,” he says. “Mallinder had a major effect on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Northampton execute attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the case of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. He admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate rang me and said: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We lack the budget for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Belleau and his communication was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and away from the French league. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Henry Pollock offers a specific vitality. Has he encountered a player like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s individual but Henry is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

The player's sensational score against the Irish side last season illustrated his unusual ability, but some of his demonstrative on-field antics have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s no fool. I feel on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any coaches would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.

“Together possess an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he explains. “We have a book club. He wants to see all aspects, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try different things, and I think I’m the same.

“We talk about lots of subjects outside the sport: films, books, thoughts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

A further fixture in France is looming: The Saints' return with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event kicks in soon. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on matchday before the Pretoria-based club visit the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant to the extent to {