This English town isn't exactly the most exotic destination in the world, but its squad provides a great deal of romance and adventure.
In a town known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to run with the ball.
Although embodying a quintessentially English community, they display a panache associated with the finest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.
From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – beaten by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash before that.
They currently top the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Bristol on the weekend 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 fixtures for various teams combined, had long intended to be a trainer.
“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “Yet as you get older, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world entails. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you see what you have going for you.”
Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a roster progressively packed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.
An emerging talent also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will take over the fly-half role.
Is the rise of this remarkable cohort attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?
“It is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a group is certainly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so talented.”
Dowson also mentions his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “He had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”
Northampton execute appealing football, which became obvious in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in the spring when Freeman scored a three tries. Belleau admired the style enough to buck the pattern of English talent heading across the Channel.
“A friend rang me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We lack the budget for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’
‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We met with him and his language skills was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.
“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be trained, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”
Dowson comments the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Does he know anyone comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but he is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”
The player's breathtaking score against the Irish side in the past campaign illustrated his exceptional talent, but some of his demonstrative in-game behavior have led to accusations of arrogance.
“At times seems overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s not joking around all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and great to have within the team.”
Not many directors of rugby would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with his co-coach.
“We both share an interest about various topics,” he notes. “We have a book club. He aims to discover various elements, wants to know all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.
“We talk about lots of topics away from the sport: films, books, concepts, art. When we played Stade [Français] last year, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”
A further match in the French nation is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be short-lived because the continental event takes over soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club arrive at the following weekend.
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