🔗 Share this article

This English town isn't exactly the most tropical spot globally, but its club offers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a place famous for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues choose to retain possession.

Despite representing a quintessentially English location, they display a style associated with the best French exponents of expansive play.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and gone deep in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in last season’s final and eliminated by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They currently top the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for multiple clubs in total, had long intended to be a coach.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “But as you mature, you realise how much you love the rugby, and what the real world entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Talks with former mentors culminated in a role at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a roster ever more packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in the national team's successful series while the number ten, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this remarkable generation because of the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“This is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a unit is definitely one of the factors they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by really interesting personalities,” he says. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”

Saints demonstrate attractive the game, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Frenchman was a member of the French club beaten in the continental tournament in last season when Tommy Freeman notched a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style enough to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We met with him and his communication was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be trained, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging Henry Pollock provides a particular energy. Has he encountered an individual comparable? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but Henry is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

His spectacular try against their opponents in the past campaign demonstrated his unusual talent, but various his demonstrative in-game antics have brought allegations of arrogance.

“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus he's not joking around the whole time. Tactically he has input – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and great to have to have around.”

Not many coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Vesty.

“Together have an curiosity about different things,” he notes. “We have a literary circle. He aims to discover all aspects, aims to learn everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous things outside the game: films, literature, ideas, art. When we faced Stade [Français] in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be brief because the continental event kicks in shortly. Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.

“I refuse to be presumptuous sufficiently to {