🔗 Share this article

Northampton may not be the most glamorous destination on the planet, but its squad offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to run with the ball.

Although playing for a typically British community, they showcase a style associated with the best Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier games for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a coach.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the real world entails. I had a stint at a financial institution doing an internship. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with club legends led to a job at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a team increasingly crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the national side versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this outstanding generation because of the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It's a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a big impact on my professional journey, my training methods, how I interact with others.”

Northampton play attractive football, which proved literally true in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was involved with the Clermont XV overcome in the continental tournament in last season when Freeman scored a triple. He admired the style enough to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no budget for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate told me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the French league. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old the flanker provides a unique vitality. Does he know a player like him? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

Pollock’s sensational score against their opponents previously illustrated his exceptional skill, but various his animated in-game actions have led to claims of overconfidence.

“He sometimes seems overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Few coaches would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Together share an interest regarding various topics,” he explains. “We have a reading group. He wants to see all aspects, wants to know everything, aims to encounter different things, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We discuss numerous things away from the sport: movies, reading, concepts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals previously, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more match in the French nation is approaching: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Bulls visit the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident enough to {