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Northampton is hardly the most glamorous location globally, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to run with the ball.

Although playing for a typically British community, they exhibit a style typical of the best French practitioners of expansive play.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – defeated by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a last-four clash earlier.

They currently top the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the just one without a loss, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, always planned to be a trainer.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you age, you understand how much you love the rugby, and what the normal employment looks like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing an internship. You travel to work a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson manages a roster increasingly packed with national team players: prominent figures started for England against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's successful series while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the development of this outstanding cohort due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be guided by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage others.”

The team execute attractive football, which became obvious in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was a member of the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“An associate called me and stated: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We had a conversation with Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and away from the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock offers a specific vitality. Has he coached anyone like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Each person is original but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against their opponents last season showcased his freakish skill, but some of his demonstrative on-field antics have led to claims of cockiness.

“At times comes across as overconfident in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s being serious constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s not a clown. I believe sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“We both have an interest around diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a book club. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We discuss numerous subjects beyond rugby: films, books, ideas, art. When we faced the Parisian club in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

One more fixture in France is coming up: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup intervenes shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are up first on matchday before the South African team arrive at a week later.

“I’m not going to be arrogant enough to {