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This English town may not be the most exotic destination in the world, but its squad offers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for boot‑making, you would think punting to be the Saints’ main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Although playing for a distinctly UK community, they display a flair synonymous with the finest French practitioners of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the Champions Cup – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final previously.

They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit their West Country rivals on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for various teams altogether, always planned to be a trainer.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “Yet as you age, you comprehend how much you love the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing an internship. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with former mentors led to a role at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson manages a team ever more packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, down the line, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this remarkable cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be coached by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage people.”

Northampton demonstrate appealing football, which proved literally true in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the French club overcome in the European competition in April when the winger registered a three tries. He liked what he saw enough to reverse the trend of English talent moving to France.

“An associate phoned me and remarked: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We lack the budget for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my mate told me. That interested me. We met with him and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old the flanker offers a unique energy. Does he know an individual similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s original but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

The player's sensational try against the Irish side previously demonstrated his exceptional talent, but a few of his expressive in-game antics have brought allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “And Pollock is not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe on occasion it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and good fun to have around.”

Few directors of rugby would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“We both have an curiosity around various topics,” he explains. “We have a book club. He wants to see everything, seeks to understand all there is, wants to experience different things, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We talk about numerous things outside rugby: movies, reading, thoughts, culture. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more fixture in France is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be temporary because the continental event takes over soon. Pau, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to a week later.

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