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This English town may not be the most glamorous location in the world, but its squad provides plenty of excitement and passion.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a quintessentially English town, they showcase a style typical of the finest French exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and progressed well in the European competition – defeated by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They lead the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

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

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you age, you understand how much you love the rugby, and what the normal employment entails. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was difficult – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with club legends culminated in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson manages a team increasingly filled with global stars: key individuals lined up for England versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will assume the fly-half role.

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

“This is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with people.”

The team demonstrate appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was part of the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman registered a three tries. Belleau admired the style enough to reverse the trend of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We lack the budget for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That interested me. We had a conversation with him and his communication was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging the flanker provides a specific enthusiasm. Does he know a player comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against their opponents previously showcased his freakish skill, but various his animated in-game behavior have resulted in allegations of cockiness.

“On occasion appears cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus he's not taking the piss constantly. Tactically he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think at times it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Few managers would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an curiosity about various topics,” he explains. “We run a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, aims to learn each detail, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We converse on numerous subjects outside the sport: films, books, concepts, creativity. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further match in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the European tournament intervenes next week. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team travel to soon after.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {