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This English town is hardly the most glamorous destination on the planet, but its club offers a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a city famous for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to run with the ball.

Although playing for a quintessentially English location, they exhibit a panache typical of the best French exponents of expansive play.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and advanced far in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

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

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you mature, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the real world entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing an internship. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with former mentors culminated in a position at Northampton. Move forward eight years and Dowson manages a roster progressively filled with global stars: prominent figures lined up for England versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will assume the No 10 jersey.

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

“It is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a collective is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my professional journey, my management style, how I manage individuals.”

The team play entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was a member of the French club overcome in the continental tournament in last season when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. He admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend rang me and stated: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We lack the money for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate informed me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Anthony and his communication was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Pollock brings a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached a player similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s breathtaking try against their opponents previously showcased his freakish ability, but some of his animated during matches actions have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”

Not many coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Together possess an interest regarding different things,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, seeks to understand everything, wants to experience different things, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We discuss numerous subjects beyond rugby: films, literature, ideas, art. When we played the Parisian club in the past season, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

One more fixture in the French nation is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be short-lived because the European tournament kicks in next week. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the South African team visit the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident enough to {