🔗 Share this article

This English town may not be the most exotic spot in the world, but its club offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city famous for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Although embodying a typically British location, they showcase a panache associated with the best Gallic exponents of expansive play.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over 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 Leinster in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier fixtures for various teams combined, had long intended to be a coach.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “Yet as you mature, you understand how much you love the game, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with former mentors led to a position at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson guides a roster ever more packed with national team players: key individuals started for the Red Rose facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, eventually, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this remarkable generation due to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It's a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, 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 tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by really interesting individuals,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my professional journey, my management style, how I deal with people.”

The team execute attractive football, which was clearly evident in the case of Anthony Belleau. The import was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in the spring when Freeman notched a hat-trick. The player was impressed enough to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

“A mate rang me and said: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We lack the budget for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We met with him and his language skills was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the young Henry Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached an individual comparable? “No,” Dowson responds. “All players are individual but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

The player's spectacular score against the Irish side previously illustrated his unusual talent, but a few of his expressive on-field behavior have led to accusations of cockiness.

“At times appears cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I feel on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence to have around.”

Few managers would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I have an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he notes. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover various elements, aims to learn everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the same.

“We converse on many things beyond rugby: movies, books, concepts, culture. When we faced our French rivals previously, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further fixture in Gall is approaching: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be brief because the continental event kicks in shortly. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club arrive at a week later.

“I won't be arrogant sufficiently to {