🔗 Share this article

This English town may not be the most exotic location on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city famous for boot‑making, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues prefer to run with the ball.

Although embodying a quintessentially English town, they showcase a flair typical of the best French practitioners of expansive play.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and progressed well in the continental tournament – beaten by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit their West Country rivals on matchday as the just one without a loss, seeking a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for multiple clubs in total, had long intended to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the normal employment is like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson leads a roster progressively filled with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s successful series while the fly-half, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this remarkable generation attributable to the team's ethos, or is it luck?

“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be mentored by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

Northampton demonstrate appealing rugby, which became obvious in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was part of the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in last season when Tommy Freeman scored a triple. Belleau admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend rang me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my mate said. That intrigued us. We met with him and his communication was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be trained, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the young Pollock brings a unique energy. Does he know an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson responds. “All players are original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

The player's spectacular touchdown against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his exceptional skill, but various his animated during matches antics have resulted in allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is not taking the piss the whole time. Tactically he has input – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence to have around.”

Not many managers would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“We both possess an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We run a reading group. He desires to explore everything, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.

“We talk about numerous subjects beyond rugby: movies, reading, concepts, culture. When we met Stade [Français] previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

A further date in France is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be short-lived because the continental event intervenes soon. The French side, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team visit a week later.

“I’m not going to be overconfident enough to {