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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic spot globally, but its squad delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate boot work to be the Northampton's main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.

Although playing for a typically British community, they display a panache synonymous with the finest French exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and advanced far in the continental tournament – defeated by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a semi-final before that.

They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a coach.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “However as you age, you comprehend how much you enjoy the game, and what the normal employment is like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing a trial period. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a team ever more filled with internationals: prominent figures started for the national side versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the development of this outstanding group because of the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by really interesting individuals,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my career, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

Northampton demonstrate appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the instance of their new signing. The import was part of the Clermont XV defeated in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger scored a hat-trick. The player was impressed enough to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘There's no budget for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my contact told me. That interested me. We met with Belleau and his communication was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Pollock brings a particular energy. Does he know a player like him? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

His spectacular try against Leinster previously illustrated his freakish ability, but some of his expressive on-field behavior have resulted in accusations of cockiness.

“At times seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And he's being serious all the time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”

Hardly any coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Together share an interest about diverse subjects,” he explains. “We run a book club. He desires to explore everything, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on many topics away from the sport: movies, reading, ideas, creativity. When we played our French rivals in the past season, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

One more match in the French nation is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event kicks in soon. Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at a week later.

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