The big interview: Tom Vickers talks to Saints fly-half Anthony Belleau
"I love them too," says Anthony Belleau when it's put to him that he's become a big hit with the Saints supporters since arriving in the summer of 2025.
Belleau may not have been a regular starter due to the presence of England star Fin Smith, but his value to the black, green and gold has never been underestimated.
He has made a strong impression since joining from Clermont Auvergne, often stepping up and shining in times of need.
And he will get another chance to impress in another big match on Saturday evening, when Saints host current Gallagher PREM table-toppers Gloucester (kick-off 5.30pm).
Belleau will wear the black, green and gold 10 shirt with Smith having suffered a calf injury during the loss at Leicester Tigers last Saturday.
"It’s a big game against the team who sit top of the league at the moment," Belleau said.
"They’ve looked really organised, fit, consistent through the game every time, through 80 minutes, in the PREM and in the Champions Cup.
"It’s a big challenge for us."
Saturday's game will see the reigning champions take on the side who head into this round of action sitting at the PREM summit.
And Belleau said: "We spoke about how our stature changed when you start the season as champions, but I think nothing changed for us.
"We still want to be champions again, but we have to keep playing, keep making an effort and be consistent through the whole season.
"It’s also a great challenge for us and playing against Gloucester, after their last couple of games, is a chance to put a mark on the season for where we want to be."
Belleau produced some heroics against Gloucester last season as his nerveless kick from in front of The Shed earning Saints a 37-35 PREM win at Kingsholm.
"I remember, before the game, everyone was talking to me about The Shed and the fans in Gloucester," Belleau said.
"I had already played there before with Clermont – we didn’t win unfortunately – but I’d heard some stories about the stand, and stuff, so it was a good memory.
"I think it was the second game of the season, but I think they are definitely in a better position now, a better situation.
"The past is the past and we have to look forward to Saturday."
While Gloucester look far more settled, the same can be said of Belleau, whose English is now excellent.
"Everything was new (last year) and it was quite hard at the beginning, with the language, but I thought it would be okay before I came here,” Belleau said.
"Everyone in France was saying: ‘oh, you’ll be fine, don’t worry,’ but in the first days of training I was exhausted about trying to understand everyone, rather than being exhausted physically in pre-season.
"But it’s definitely been a good experience and also I’m not here on my own; I moved with my wife. We got married in the summer and she’s doing an amazing job to make me feel like I’m in the best situation possible.
"I always had in my mind that if I had the opportunity to move away from France and see something different, I would be very motivated and keen to do that.
"I had this opportunity and I think it was a good time in my career to do that after almost 10 years in the Top 14.
"Everything was new – we spoke about a different way to play rugby but also a different way to live, a different mindset.
"I believe this has helped me to become a better person and also a better rugby player.”
When asked about playing in the PREM, Belleau said: “It’s a good experience. I really enjoy it.
"It’s very different from France and the Top 14, but I believe that’s going to help me to become a better rugby player, and also a better person.
"It makes me feel and understand rugby in a different way, and this is the beauty of rugby because you don’t have only one way to win a game or to play rugby.
"I really enjoy it and I’m just trying to keep learning every day and in every game.”
Belleau initially signed a one-year contract with Saints, but he extended that back in February.
"It’s really great (at Saints),” he said. “I think the team we have, the players we have, the staff we have all look after us and we all try to get better.
"Somebody was talking to me about the family feeling at this club and I said it’s a very enjoyable experience.
"I’m still enjoying it and I feel grateful to play for this club and this team.”
And he is clearly very grateful to be playing in front of the Saints fans, who have shown him a lot of love since he arrived.
“I love them too!” Belleau said.
"I feel privileged and lucky to play in front of a full house. Every weekend the stadium is full and it gives us such a big support when we play at home.
"They’re going to have a massive role on Saturday to push behind us to beat Gloucester, who are top of the league at the moment.”