🔗 Share this article

This English town is hardly the most exotic location in the world, but its club offers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a city famous for shoe production, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Despite playing for a typically British community, they exhibit a panache synonymous with the best French exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and advanced far in the Champions Cup – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final previously.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, always planned to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life looks like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was difficult – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Talks with former mentors culminated in a role at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson manages a squad ever more packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's successful series while the fly-half, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this outstanding generation attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a collective is definitely one of the causes they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage others.”

The team execute appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of Anthony Belleau. The import was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the Champions Cup in April when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. He liked what he saw sufficiently to buck the pattern of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A friend phoned me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend said. That intrigued us. We spoke to Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Henry Pollock provides a unique enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone similar? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

His spectacular score against Leinster last season demonstrated his unusual talent, but some of his expressive on-field actions have resulted in accusations of cockiness.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Pollock is not taking the piss all the time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I share an interest about various topics,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore everything, wants to know each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I think I’m the same.

“We converse on numerous subjects away from the game: cinema, literature, thoughts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

Another fixture in France is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be short-lived because the Champions Cup takes over next week. The French side, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the South African team travel to a week later.

“I won't be presumptuous sufficiently to {