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This English town may not be the most exotic spot in the world, but its club delivers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a place renowned for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to keep ball in hand.

Despite representing a typically British town, they display a flair synonymous with the greatest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and ousted by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They sit atop the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, had long intended to be a coach.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you mature, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was tough – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson manages a roster progressively packed with internationals: prominent figures were selected for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's successful series while Fin Smith, in time, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this remarkable cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“This is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is certainly one of the factors they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful people,” he adds. “He had a significant influence on my rugby life, my training methods, how I interact with individuals.”

Saints demonstrate appealing football, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was a member of the French club beaten in the European competition in the spring when Freeman registered a hat-trick. Belleau was impressed enough to buck the pattern of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and stated: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with him and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old the flanker brings a specific vitality. Does he know anyone comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s sensational touchdown against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his exceptional skill, but a few of his demonstrative on-field behavior have brought allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s no fool. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and great to have within the team.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“We both share an inquisitiveness regarding different things,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore everything, aims to learn all there is, wants to experience varied activities, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We talk about lots of subjects outside the game: films, literature, ideas, creativity. When we played Stade [Français] previously, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

Another match in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be short-lived because the European tournament kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.

“I refuse to be arrogant sufficiently to {