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Northampton may not be the most tropical spot globally, but its rugby union team offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors prefer to retain possession.

Even though representing a distinctly UK location, they display a flair synonymous with the finest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by a French side in last season’s final and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and head to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for various teams altogether, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you get older, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the everyday life is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with club legends culminated in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson manages a team progressively packed with internationals: prominent figures started for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the development of this exceptional generation due to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“It is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my management style, how I manage people.”

Northampton execute attractive the game, which proved literally true in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was involved with the French club defeated in the continental tournament in April when Freeman registered a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

“An associate called me and remarked: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We lack the budget for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging Pollock offers a unique vitality. Has he coached a player comparable? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but he is distinct and special in many ways. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s sensational score against their opponents previously illustrated his freakish ability, but various his demonstrative on-field behavior have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“At times appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I believe sometimes it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence in the squad.”

Hardly any coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.

“Together possess an interest about various topics,” he explains. “We have a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, wants to know everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss many subjects outside the sport: films, reading, ideas, art. When we met our French rivals last year, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in Gall is coming up: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be brief because the Champions Cup kicks in shortly. Pau, in the foothills of the border region, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls travel to a week later.

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