🔗 Share this article

This English town is hardly the most glamorous spot on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a place famous for boot‑making, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.

Although playing for a typically British community, they display a flair typical of the greatest French exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have won the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round previously.

They lead the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on Saturday as the just one without a loss, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 elite games for multiple clubs altogether, had long intended to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “Yet as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with club legends resulted in a role at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson leads a team ever more packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for the national side facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, eventually, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this outstanding cohort because of the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my career, my training methods, how I manage people.”

Northampton execute entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The Frenchman was part of the opposing team beaten in the continental tournament in April when the winger scored a three tries. Belleau admired the style enough to go against the flow of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my friend said. That interested me. We met with Belleau and his language skills was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is unique but he is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

His spectacular score against the Irish side last season showcased his exceptional ability, but some of his expressive on-field antics have led to claims of cockiness.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's being serious the whole time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I believe at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Few directors of rugby would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I have an inquisitiveness about different things,” he notes. “We run a book club. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We discuss lots of topics beyond the game: cinema, literature, concepts, art. When we played our French rivals in the past season, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

One more fixture in France is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the continental event kicks in soon. The French side, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls visit soon after.

“I won't be presumptuous sufficiently to {