🔗 Share this article

Northampton is hardly the most glamorous destination globally, but its rugby union team provides plenty of excitement and passion.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to keep ball in hand.

Although playing for a quintessentially English town, they showcase a style synonymous with the best French masters of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – defeated by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They lead the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on Saturday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, had long intended to be a coach.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “Yet as you mature, you comprehend how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was tough – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Talks with club legends culminated in a job at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson guides a team progressively packed with internationals: prominent figures were selected for England versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in the national team's successful series while Fin Smith, in time, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the development of this exceptional group because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It's a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a unit is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “Mallinder had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I deal with individuals.”

The team play appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the instance of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was part of the opposing team beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when the winger scored a triple. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of British stars heading across the Channel.

“An associate rang me and remarked: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no budget for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We spoke to him and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘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 a player similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s breathtaking score against Leinster previously showcased his exceptional skill, but some of his demonstrative on-field actions have brought claims of cockiness.

“At times seems cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think at times it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”

Not many directors of rugby would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Vesty.

“We both share an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn everything, wants to experience different things, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We discuss lots of topics beyond the sport: films, literature, ideas, art. When we met Stade [Français] previously, the landmark was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

A further fixture in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' return with the English competition will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.

“I won't be overconfident sufficiently to {