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Northampton may not be the most tropical spot on the planet, but its squad offers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a town famous for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold prefer to keep ball in hand.

Although playing for a quintessentially English community, they display a style associated with the best French exponents of expansive play.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final before that.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and travel to Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you love the rugby, and what the real world is like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a team ever more packed with global stars: prominent figures lined up for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s successful series while the number ten, eventually, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this exceptional generation because of the club's environment, or is it chance?

“This is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I deal with others.”

The team play entertaining football, which was clearly evident in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team defeated in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. The player liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A friend phoned me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young the flanker brings a unique energy. Does he know a player similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking score against the Irish side previously showcased his unusual skill, but a few of his animated in-game actions have brought allegations of overconfidence.

“He sometimes comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “And Pollock is being serious all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I believe sometimes it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Few managers would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Sam and I share an interest regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a reading group. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn all there is, desires to try varied activities, and I believe I’m the same.

“We talk about lots of subjects beyond rugby: films, reading, ideas, art. When we played the Parisian club previously, the landmark was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another fixture in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event intervenes next week. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team travel to a week later.

“I won't be arrogant to the extent to {