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This English town may not be the most tropical destination globally, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a place famous for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Even though playing for a typically British town, they showcase a style typical of the greatest French exponents of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a penultimate round earlier.

They sit atop the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a maiden victory at Ashton Gate 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.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you get older, you understand how much you love the sport, and what the everyday life is like. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing work experience. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was difficult – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a squad progressively packed with global stars: key individuals were selected for England versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, in time, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the development of this outstanding cohort due to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It's a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be guided by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “Jim had a major effect on my career, my coaching, how I interact with others.”

Saints demonstrate appealing the game, which proved literally true in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger notched a three tries. The player was impressed enough to buck the pattern of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We don’t have funds for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That interested me. We spoke to Anthony and his communication was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the French league. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old the flanker brings a specific energy. Has he encountered anyone comparable? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against Leinster in the past campaign illustrated his unusual ability, but various his animated on-field actions have resulted in allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe at times it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have in the squad.”

Few coaches would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Vesty.

“We both share an inquisitiveness regarding different things,” he notes. “We run a book club. He desires to explore everything, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try varied activities, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We talk about lots of things beyond the sport: films, literature, concepts, art. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

A further fixture in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the South African team travel to the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be arrogant to the extent to {