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This English town is hardly the most glamorous spot on the planet, but its club offers a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a town known for boot‑making, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Despite representing a quintessentially English location, they showcase a panache associated with the finest Gallic exponents of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and progressed well in the European competition – losing to their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit their West Country rivals on the weekend as the just one without a loss, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight fixtures for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a coach.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world is like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Talks with former mentors resulted in a position at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson manages a roster ever more packed with global stars: prominent figures started for England versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's successful series while Fin Smith, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the development of this outstanding cohort attributable to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by highly engaging individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I deal with individuals.”

The team execute appealing football, which became obvious in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The import was involved with the opposing team beaten in the European competition in the spring when the winger notched a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate phoned me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We don’t have funds for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We met with Belleau and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging Pollock provides a particular vitality. Does he know anyone like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Each person is individual but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against Leinster previously illustrated his exceptional talent, but a few of his animated during matches antics have led to claims of overconfidence.

“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Henry’s being serious the whole time. Tactically he has input – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Few coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I share an interest around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We have a reading group. He aims to discover all aspects, seeks to understand everything, desires to try varied activities, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We discuss lots of subjects beyond rugby: films, books, thoughts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further match in Gall is approaching: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to a week later.

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