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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous location in the world, but its squad offers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a place renowned for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.

Despite representing a quintessentially English location, they display a flair synonymous with the best Gallic masters of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and progressed well in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.

They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Bristol on Saturday as the just one without a loss, seeking a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite matches for various teams combined, always planned to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you enjoy the game, and what the normal employment looks like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing a trial period. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a team ever more packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for the Red Rose facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this remarkable cohort attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“This is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is definitely one of the factors they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he says. “He had a major effect on my professional journey, my management style, how I manage people.”

Northampton demonstrate attractive rugby, which became obvious in the instance of the French fly-half. The import was part of the Clermont XV beaten in the European competition in April when the winger notched a triple. He was impressed to such an extent to buck the pattern of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and said: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Anthony and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Pollock brings a specific energy. Has he encountered an individual like him? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is different and unique in many ways. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

The player's spectacular score against Leinster previously demonstrated his freakish ability, but various his animated in-game behavior have resulted in allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion appears arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Pollock is not joking around constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Not many coaches would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Vesty.

“We both have an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he notes. “We maintain a reading group. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about lots of subjects outside the game: movies, books, thoughts, creativity. When we faced the Parisian club in the past season, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another date in France is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be short-lived because the European tournament kicks in next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on the coming weekend before the South African team visit a week later.

“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {