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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous spot in the world, but its squad provides plenty of thrills and drama.

In a place known for shoe production, you might expect boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold prefer to retain possession.

Even though playing for a distinctly UK community, they showcase a flair synonymous with the best Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash before that.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you get older, you realise how much you appreciate the game, and what the everyday life looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a role at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a roster ever more packed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, down the line, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the rise of this remarkable cohort because of the team's ethos, or is it luck?

“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a collective is definitely one of the causes they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, another predecessor at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a big impact on my career, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”

Northampton play entertaining rugby, which proved literally true in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in the spring when the winger scored a triple. Belleau admired the style enough to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate rang me and stated: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be trained, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the French league. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging the flanker provides a specific vitality. Does he know an individual similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but Henry is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

His spectacular touchdown against Leinster last season showcased his unusual ability, but various his expressive during matches behavior have brought accusations of cockiness.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “And he's not taking the piss all the time. Tactically he has input – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence within the team.”

Not many directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Vesty.

“We both share an inquisitiveness about different things,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He wants to see various elements, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We converse on lots of things beyond the game: cinema, reading, thoughts, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

Another fixture in France is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be temporary because the European tournament takes over next week. The French side, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the South African team travel to soon after.

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