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Northampton may not be the most exotic spot in the world, but its squad provides an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Despite playing for a typically British community, they showcase a panache associated with the finest Gallic masters of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have won the domestic league and progressed well in the European competition – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, always planned to be a trainer.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you mature, you understand how much you love the sport, and what the everyday life is like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you have going for you.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a position at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a squad ever more packed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for the national side versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the fly-half role.

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

“This is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be guided by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “Mallinder had a major effect on my professional journey, my management style, how I deal with others.”

Northampton play appealing football, which became obvious in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was part of the French club defeated in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman registered a three tries. He was impressed enough to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend phoned me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to him and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Pollock provides a specific vitality. Has he coached an individual similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but he is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

His spectacular touchdown against Leinster last season illustrated his exceptional ability, but some of his demonstrative in-game actions have resulted in allegations of arrogance.

“At times appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's not taking the piss all the time. Tactically he has input – he’s not a clown. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and good fun to have around.”

Few directors of rugby would claim to have having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“We both possess an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We have a book club. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We discuss lots of things outside the sport: movies, reading, thoughts, art. When we faced our French rivals last year, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further match in France is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be short-lived because the European tournament kicks in shortly. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at soon after.

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