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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous spot globally, but its club delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place famous for shoe production, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to keep ball in hand.

Despite playing for a quintessentially English community, they display a panache associated with the greatest Gallic masters of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the Champions Cup – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round earlier.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

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

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “But as you mature, you understand how much you enjoy the sport, and what the normal employment entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was challenging – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson leads a squad progressively crammed with internationals: key individuals started for the Red Rose versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this exceptional group due to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a group is definitely one of the factors they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be mentored by really interesting individuals,” he notes. “Mallinder had a big impact on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage others.”

Saints demonstrate appealing rugby, which became obvious in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was part of the Clermont XV overcome in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to go against the flow of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my contact said. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his communication was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging the flanker provides a specific vitality. Has he coached anyone like him? “No,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

The player's breathtaking touchdown against their opponents last season showcased his unusual talent, but some of his demonstrative on-field actions have led to claims of cockiness.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Furthermore he's not taking the piss all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence in the squad.”

Not many directors of rugby would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I have an inquisitiveness about various topics,” he says. “We run a reading group. He wants to see various elements, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on numerous topics away from the sport: films, reading, thoughts, culture. When we faced the Parisian club last year, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more match in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be brief because the European tournament kicks in soon. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls travel to the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous sufficiently to {