🔗 Share this article

This English town is hardly the most glamorous spot on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town renowned for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a distinctly UK location, they display a flair typical of the finest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and advanced far in the European competition – losing to their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Bristol on Saturday as the just one without a loss, chasing a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, had long intended to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “But as you mature, you comprehend how much you appreciate the game, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with former mentors led to a position at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson guides a squad progressively packed with national team players: key individuals lined up for the national side facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this remarkable group due to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he adds. “Jim had a significant influence on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with others.”

Northampton demonstrate attractive rugby, which became obvious in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV overcome in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate rang me and stated: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his language skills was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the young Pollock brings a particular enthusiasm. Has he coached a player like him? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but he is distinct and special in many ways. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

His sensational score against their opponents last season showcased his freakish ability, but a few of his animated on-field antics have brought accusations of cockiness.

“At times seems arrogant in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “And he's not joking around the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s no fool. I feel sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and great to have to have around.”

Few managers would claim to have having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.

“Together have an curiosity regarding various topics,” he says. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand everything, desires to try new experiences, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous topics away from the sport: movies, reading, concepts, art. When we faced our French rivals last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be temporary because the European tournament takes over next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to a week later.

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