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Northampton is hardly the most exotic spot globally, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a city famous for shoe production, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ primary strategy. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues prefer to keep ball in hand.

Despite playing for a typically British town, they showcase a panache synonymous with the greatest French masters of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – beaten by a French side in the ultimate match and eliminated by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier games for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a coach.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the real world is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you have going for you.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a job at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a roster ever more packed with internationals: key individuals started for England versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s successful series while the number ten, down the line, will assume the No 10 jersey.

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

“It is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a collective is certainly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be mentored by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he notes. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I deal with others.”

Northampton play attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the instance of their new signing. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in last season when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. The player was impressed enough to go against the flow of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate called me and said: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘There's no budget for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate informed me. That interested me. We spoke to Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock brings a unique vitality. Does he know a player comparable? “No,” Dowson responds. “All players are individual but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

The player's sensational touchdown against the Irish side last season demonstrated his freakish talent, but some of his animated on-field behavior have led to allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has input – he’s no fool. I think sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”

Hardly any coaches would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.

“Together possess an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We maintain a book club. He wants to see everything, seeks to understand everything, desires to try varied activities, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We talk about many topics away from the sport: cinema, literature, thoughts, culture. When we played our French rivals in the past season, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another fixture in Gall is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup intervenes shortly. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the South African team travel to soon after.

“I refuse to be presumptuous to the extent to {