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This English town isn't exactly the most exotic destination on the planet, but its club delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Despite playing for a quintessentially English town, they showcase a flair synonymous with the best Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, had long intended to be a coach.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “Yet as you get older, you understand how much you love the sport, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing an internship. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you see what you have going for you.”

Talks with former mentors culminated in a role at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a roster increasingly packed with global stars: prominent figures started for the national side versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, in time, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this outstanding group due to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my career, my coaching, how I manage individuals.”

The team execute entertaining rugby, which became obvious in the example of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was part of the Clermont XV defeated in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. He admired the style enough to go against the flow of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my mate informed me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Anthony and his language skills was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the young Pollock offers a particular energy. Has he encountered anyone similar? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s breathtaking score against the Irish side in the past campaign showcased his exceptional talent, but a few of his expressive during matches behavior have resulted in accusations of cockiness.

“On occasion seems arrogant in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Henry’s not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think sometimes it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Hardly any coaches would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.

“We both possess an interest around diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a book club. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try varied activities, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We talk about lots of topics beyond the game: films, books, thoughts, creativity. When we met our French rivals in the past season, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in France is approaching: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the continental event kicks in soon. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team visit soon after.

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