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Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical destination globally, but its club offers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a quintessentially English location, they display a panache associated with the finest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and advanced far in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite games for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you get older, you comprehend how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world is like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was tough – you see what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with club legends led to a role at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a team progressively filled with internationals: prominent figures started for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this exceptional group due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a major effect on my career, my management style, how I interact with people.”

The team execute entertaining rugby, which became obvious in the case of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in last season when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. Belleau was impressed sufficiently to buck the pattern of English talent moving to France.

“A friend phoned me and stated: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We lack the money for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We had a conversation with Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging the flanker offers a particular energy. Does he know a player similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “Each person is individual but he is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

The player's spectacular score against the Irish side last season showcased his exceptional ability, but some of his animated in-game actions have resulted in allegations of cockiness.

“At times appears cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s not joking around the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and great to have to have around.”

Few managers would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“We both share an interest about different things,” he explains. “We have a book club. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We discuss many topics beyond the sport: movies, reading, thoughts, art. When we met our French rivals previously, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another fixture in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be short-lived because the continental event kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are up first on matchday before the Bulls travel to a week later.

“I won't be overconfident to the extent to {