🔗 Share this article

This English town may not be the most glamorous location on the planet, but its squad offers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a place renowned for footwear manufacturing, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to keep ball in hand.

Even though embodying a typically British town, they showcase a flair typical of the best Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and progressed well in the Champions Cup – beaten by a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round previously.

They sit atop the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, had long intended to be a manager.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I had a stint at a financial institution doing work experience. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was challenging – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a role at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson leads a roster progressively packed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, in time, will assume the fly-half role.

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

“This is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting people,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I deal with people.”

Northampton demonstrate attractive the game, which proved literally true in the instance of their new signing. The import was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the continental tournament in last season when Freeman scored a triple. Belleau admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of British stars moving to France.

“A mate phoned me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We don’t have funds for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Pollock provides a unique vitality. Has he coached an individual comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are individual but Henry is different and unique in many ways. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

Pollock’s sensational score against the Irish side in the past campaign demonstrated his exceptional skill, but some of his demonstrative in-game actions have resulted in allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Henry’s being serious the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have within the team.”

Not many directors of rugby would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Together possess an curiosity around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We run a reading group. He desires to explore various elements, aims to learn all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on many things beyond rugby: cinema, books, thoughts, art. When we met the Parisian club previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

A further date in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are up first on the coming weekend before the South African team visit a week later.

“I refuse to be overconfident enough to {