🔗 Share this article

This English town isn't exactly the most exotic location in the world, but its club offers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a city known for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors prefer to retain possession.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English town, they exhibit a flair typical of the greatest Gallic exponents of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the European competition – losing to their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final earlier.

They sit atop the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight games for various teams altogether, always planned to be a manager.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you realise how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment entails. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was challenging – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a role at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson manages a squad increasingly packed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for England against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this exceptional generation because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he says. “Jim had a significant influence on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage people.”

The team execute entertaining football, which became obvious in the case of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the French club defeated in the Champions Cup in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate rang me and stated: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no budget for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Belleau and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock offers a particular enthusiasm. Has he coached a player like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “All players are original but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s spectacular try against Leinster in the past campaign demonstrated his unusual skill, but a few of his demonstrative in-game behavior have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“He sometimes comes across as overconfident in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and good fun to have around.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“We both have an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he explains. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the same.

“We discuss many things outside rugby: movies, reading, concepts, art. When we met Stade [Français] last year, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

A further match in Gall is looming: The Saints' comeback with the English competition will be brief because the Champions Cup takes over shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club arrive at the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {