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Northampton may not be the most glamorous destination globally, but its club offers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you could anticipate boot work to be the Northampton's primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a distinctly UK location, they display a style typical of the finest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They currently top the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the just one without a loss, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight matches for various teams in total, always planned to be a trainer.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you love the rugby, and what the normal employment entails. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson leads a squad increasingly filled with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this exceptional group attributable to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“It is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting people,” he adds. “Jim had a big impact on my career, my training methods, how I manage people.”

The team execute entertaining football, which proved literally true in the instance of their new signing. The import was involved with the French club defeated in the continental tournament in last season when Freeman notched a triple. He liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A friend rang me and remarked: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We lack the budget for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my mate informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and away from the French league. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Pollock provides a unique energy. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are individual but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

His breathtaking try against Leinster last season demonstrated his freakish talent, but various his expressive during matches antics have led to accusations of cockiness.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore he's not joking around the whole time. Tactically he has input – he’s not a clown. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”

Few managers would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I possess an interest around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We maintain a literary circle. He aims to discover everything, wants to know everything, desires to try new experiences, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We converse on numerous things away from rugby: cinema, literature, ideas, art. When we played our French rivals last year, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

A further match in France is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the European tournament kicks in shortly. Pau, in the vicinity of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team arrive at soon after.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {