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Northampton may not be the most tropical destination on the planet, but its club delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a place renowned for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues choose to run with the ball.

Although embodying a typically British community, they showcase a style associated with the best French exponents of expansive play.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and progressed well in the European competition – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and eliminated by the Irish province in a penultimate round earlier.

They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier games for multiple clubs altogether, always planned to be a coach.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “However as you age, you understand how much you love the game, and what the everyday life looks like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing a trial period. You make the journey a few times, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Talks with club legends resulted in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson guides a team ever more filled with internationals: prominent figures started for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the rise of this exceptional cohort attributable to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“This is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting people,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Saints demonstrate entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the example of their new signing. The import was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in the spring when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. The player liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of English talent moving to France.

“An associate phoned me and stated: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We don’t have budget for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate told me. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his communication was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old the flanker provides a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered an individual comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against the Irish side in the past campaign demonstrated his exceptional ability, but various his expressive in-game behavior have brought accusations of cockiness.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I feel on occasion it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Few managers would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Vesty.

“We both share an curiosity around different things,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore various elements, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We talk about numerous subjects beyond rugby: movies, books, thoughts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals previously, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

A further date in France is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be brief because the Champions Cup takes over shortly. The French side, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

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