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Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical location on the planet, but its rugby union team offers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a town renowned for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's main approach. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors prefer to keep ball in hand.

Despite representing a typically British location, they showcase a panache associated with the best Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and gone deep in the Champions Cup – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, had long intended to be a coach.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you appreciate the game, and what the everyday life entails. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was tough – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Talks with former mentors resulted in a role at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a team progressively crammed with national team players: key individuals were selected for the national side versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, in time, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this outstanding group because of the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting personalities,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my career, my training methods, how I interact with others.”

Northampton play appealing the game, which proved literally true in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was part of the French club beaten in the European competition in last season when the winger scored a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

“A mate called me and said: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We lack the funds for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Belleau and his English was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and away from the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock brings a unique vitality. Has he coached a player similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s sensational score against the Irish side in the past campaign showcased his freakish ability, but various his demonstrative on-field behavior have brought claims of cockiness.

“He sometimes seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would describe themselves as having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I have an curiosity around various topics,” he notes. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, aims to learn each detail, desires to try different things, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous things outside rugby: movies, reading, concepts, culture. When we met Stade [Français] in the past season, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

One more date in France is looming: The Saints' comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event takes over next week. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Bulls travel to a week later.

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