🔗 Share this article

This English town isn't exactly the most exotic location in the world, but its club delivers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a town famous for shoe production, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues prefer to retain possession.

Despite playing for a quintessentially English community, they display a flair synonymous with the greatest 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 advanced far in the continental tournament – beaten by a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round before that.

They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to 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 participated in 262 top-flight matches for various teams combined, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “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 make the journey a several occasions, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson manages a squad progressively packed with global stars: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“This is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my professional journey, my training methods, how I manage others.”

Northampton execute appealing the game, which proved literally true in the instance of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was a member of the opposing team overcome in the European competition in the spring when Tommy Freeman registered a hat-trick. He admired the style enough to reverse the trend of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate rang me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Anthony and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the French league. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young the flanker brings a specific vitality. Has he encountered a player similar? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Each person is original but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

The player's breathtaking score against Leinster previously illustrated his exceptional skill, but a few of his animated on-field antics have brought accusations of arrogance.

“He sometimes comes across as overconfident in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's not taking the piss the whole time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I feel at times it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence within the team.”

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

“We both possess an interest regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter different things, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on many topics beyond rugby: movies, literature, thoughts, art. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over soon. Pau, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the South African team visit the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident sufficiently to {