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Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical location in the world, but its squad provides plenty of romance and adventure.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues prefer to run with the ball.

Although embodying a distinctly UK location, they display a style synonymous with the greatest French exponents of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the continental tournament – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They lead the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight matches for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “However as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the game, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with club legends resulted in a job at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson leads a squad progressively crammed with internationals: key individuals were selected for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this outstanding group attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “He had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

The team execute attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was part of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman notched a hat-trick. He was impressed enough to reverse the trend of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A friend rang me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That intrigued us. We spoke to him and his language skills was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the French league. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging the flanker brings a specific energy. Has he encountered an individual comparable? “No,” Dowson replies. “Each person is unique but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s breathtaking try against the Irish side previously showcased his exceptional talent, but various his animated in-game actions have led to claims of arrogance.

“At times seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Pollock is not taking the piss constantly. Tactically he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Not many coaches would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“Together share an interest regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn all there is, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss many things away from the sport: films, books, thoughts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in Gall is coming up: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be temporary because the European tournament kicks in soon. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

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