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Northampton may not be the most exotic location in the world, but its club delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors prefer to retain possession.

Even though playing for a distinctly UK community, they exhibit a panache associated with the best Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and gone deep in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Leinster in a last-four clash previously.

They currently top the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 premier matches for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a coach.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “Yet as you get older, you realise how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the normal employment looks like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing a trial period. You do the commute a few times, and it was challenging – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with club legends led to a role at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster progressively crammed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for England against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this exceptional group due to the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a unit is definitely one of the factors they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he notes. “Jim had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with people.”

Northampton play appealing football, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The import was part of the French club overcome in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger scored a triple. The player was impressed sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend phoned me and stated: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We spoke to him and his language skills was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock brings a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson responds. “All players are original but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

Pollock’s spectacular try against Leinster last season showcased his freakish ability, but some of his animated in-game actions have led to allegations of cockiness.

“He sometimes seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Pollock is not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has input – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”

Hardly any coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.

“We both have an interest about various topics,” he explains. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We talk about numerous topics outside the game: movies, literature, concepts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] previously, the landmark was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

A further match in France is looming: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be short-lived because the Champions Cup intervenes next week. Pau, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {