🔗 Share this article

This English town may not be the most glamorous location globally, but its club delivers plenty of romance and adventure.

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

Despite embodying a distinctly UK town, they showcase a flair typical of the best French practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and travel to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite fixtures for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the game, and what the everyday life entails. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing an internship. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson guides a roster progressively crammed with global stars: key individuals were selected for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, in time, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable generation because of the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by really interesting individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with people.”

Saints execute entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV beaten in the European competition in the spring when Tommy Freeman registered a three tries. He was impressed to such an extent to buck the pattern of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and remarked: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my friend informed me. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his English was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the young Pollock provides a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached a player comparable? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking score against Leinster in the past campaign showcased his freakish talent, but various his expressive in-game behavior have brought accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s not joking around the whole time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”

Hardly any managers would claim to have having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I share an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he notes. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore various elements, seeks to understand each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on many topics beyond the game: films, books, ideas, art. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in Gall is coming up: The Saints' return with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to soon after.

“I’m not going to be arrogant enough to {