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This English town may not be the most glamorous spot in the world, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a city renowned for boot‑making, you could anticipate kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold opt to retain possession.

Despite representing a quintessentially English town, they display a flair typical of the best Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the English top flight and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the league standings after four wins and a draw and head to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the just one without a loss, aiming for a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “However as you get older, you realise how much you appreciate the sport, and what the normal employment entails. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a squad ever more packed with global stars: key individuals lined up for England versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect off the bench in England’s successful series while the number ten, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this exceptional generation attributable to the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“It's a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a group is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by highly engaging personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I deal with people.”

Northampton execute attractive the game, which became obvious in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was a member of the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in last season when the winger scored a triple. He admired the style enough to buck the pattern of British stars heading across the Channel.

“An associate called me and stated: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We had a conversation with Belleau and his English was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the French league. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock offers a unique vitality. Has he coached an individual like him? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Each person is original but Henry is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

His breathtaking try against their opponents last season demonstrated his unusual skill, but some of his animated on-field actions have brought accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Pollock is being serious constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s no fool. I feel sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and good fun within the team.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Together possess an interest around different things,” he notes. “We have a book club. He aims to discover various elements, aims to learn everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We converse on many things outside the sport: movies, books, concepts, art. When we played our French rivals previously, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

A further date in Gall is coming up: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over soon. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

“I won't be overconfident sufficiently to {