🔗 Share this article

Northampton is hardly the most tropical destination globally, but its squad delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place renowned for shoe production, you would think punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold opt to retain possession.

Despite representing a quintessentially English location, they showcase a panache synonymous with the best French exponents of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and gone deep in the Champions Cup – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and eliminated by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Bristol on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, always planned to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you appreciate the sport, 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 tough – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Discussions with club legends led to a job at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson leads a squad progressively crammed with global stars: prominent figures were selected for England versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, eventually, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the development of this outstanding cohort attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“This is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting individuals,” he says. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my coaching, how I deal with people.”

Saints play attractive the game, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was involved with the French club overcome in the continental tournament in last season when Freeman scored a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw enough to go against the flow of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate called me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We lack the money for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate informed me. That intrigued us. We spoke to him and his language skills was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Henry Pollock brings a particular enthusiasm. Does he know anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Each person is individual but he is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

The player's breathtaking score against their opponents previously illustrated his freakish ability, but some of his expressive during matches actions have led to allegations of arrogance.

“He sometimes seems cocky in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s not joking around all the time. Tactically he has input – he’s not a clown. I believe on occasion it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and good fun to have around.”

Not many coaches would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Vesty.

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

“We discuss lots of things beyond rugby: movies, reading, concepts, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

One more date in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be brief because the European tournament takes over shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

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