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This English town may not be the most tropical destination in the world, but its club provides an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you could anticipate boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues opt to retain possession.

Despite playing for a distinctly UK community, they exhibit a panache synonymous with the greatest French exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – beaten by a French side in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier games for multiple clubs in total, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you mature, you realise how much you love the sport, and what the everyday life looks like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing a trial period. You travel to work a few times, and it was challenging – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with club legends resulted in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a team progressively crammed with internationals: prominent figures started for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this outstanding group attributable to the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“This is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, 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 skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting people,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my career, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

The team demonstrate attractive football, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was part of the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to go against the flow of British stars heading across the Channel.

“An associate called me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no money for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be trained, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old the flanker offers a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but Henry is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

The player's spectacular touchdown against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his unusual ability, but various his demonstrative in-game antics have brought allegations of cockiness.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and great to have to have around.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Vesty.

“We both have an interest around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He wants to see various elements, aims to learn all there is, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on numerous subjects outside the sport: movies, literature, thoughts, art. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more fixture in France is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the Prem will be brief because the European tournament takes over soon. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are up first on matchday before the Pretoria-based club arrive at the following weekend.

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