🔗 Share this article

This English town isn't exactly the most exotic spot globally, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a town known for boot‑making, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to run with the ball.

Even though embodying a quintessentially English community, they exhibit a panache typical of the best French practitioners of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.

They currently top the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier fixtures for various teams altogether, had long intended to be a manager.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “But as you age, you realise how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson manages a squad ever more crammed with internationals: key individuals were selected for England versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect as a substitute in the national team's successful series while the fly-half, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this remarkable group attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“This is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be guided by highly engaging individuals,” he adds. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I deal with others.”

Northampton play entertaining the game, which became obvious in the example of the French fly-half. The import was a member of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in the spring when the winger notched a triple. Belleau admired the style sufficiently to reverse the trend of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate called me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘There's no funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend informed me. That intrigued us. We met with him and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the young Pollock offers a particular vitality. Does he know a player like him? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are individual but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

His breathtaking score against their opponents previously illustrated his freakish talent, but various his expressive during matches actions have resulted in claims of overconfidence.

“He sometimes comes across as overconfident in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s being serious all the time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I feel at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and great to have in the squad.”

Not many coaches would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Together have an interest regarding different things,” he says. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand all there is, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss lots of things away from rugby: cinema, reading, concepts, creativity. When we met our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

Another match in France is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {