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Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical location on the planet, but its rugby union team offers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a place known for boot‑making, you could anticipate kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to retain possession.

Even though playing for a quintessentially English community, they display a panache typical of the finest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round earlier.

They lead the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you age, you understand how much you enjoy the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with club legends led to a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster progressively filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, in time, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this remarkable generation attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be coached by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he adds. “He had a significant influence on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage individuals.”

The team play appealing rugby, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Frenchman was involved with the French club overcome in the European competition in last season when Freeman scored a triple. Belleau admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of British stars moving to France.

“An associate phoned me and said: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Pollock brings a particular energy. Does he know a player comparable? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

His spectacular score against the Irish side last season illustrated his exceptional skill, but a few of his expressive on-field behavior have brought claims of cockiness.

“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Pollock is not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have to have around.”

Not many coaches would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Together possess an curiosity about various topics,” he notes. “We have a book club. He wants to see everything, aims to learn all there is, desires to try different things, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss numerous subjects away from the sport: films, books, ideas, art. When we met the Parisian club in the past season, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

Another match in France is coming up: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be brief because the European tournament intervenes shortly. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club travel to the following weekend.

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