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This English town isn't exactly the most exotic location globally, but its club provides an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a town known for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Even though representing a typically British community, they exhibit a flair synonymous with the greatest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and gone deep in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, always planned to be a trainer.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “However as you mature, you understand how much you enjoy the game, and what the real world is like. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a job at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson manages a roster ever more packed with national team players: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while the fly-half, eventually, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this remarkable generation attributable to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“This is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a unit is definitely one of the reasons they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be guided by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my career, my management style, how I deal with people.”

Northampton play attractive the game, which proved literally true in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was part of the French club beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when Freeman notched a hat-trick. The player admired the style enough to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend phoned me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my mate informed me. That caught my attention. We met with him and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be trained, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the French league. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Henry Pollock provides a unique energy. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson responds. “All players are individual but Henry is distinct and special in many ways. He’s fearless to be himself.”

His spectacular score against their opponents last season showcased his unusual skill, but a few of his demonstrative in-game behavior have resulted in allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion appears cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's being serious all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s no fool. I believe sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and good fun in the squad.”

Few coaches would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Vesty.

“We both share an interest around various topics,” he says. “We have a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, aims to learn everything, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We converse on many topics outside the game: cinema, literature, thoughts, creativity. When we faced the Parisian club last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another date in the French nation is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup intervenes soon. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Bulls travel to a week later.

“I refuse to be presumptuous sufficiently to {