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Northampton may not be the most tropical destination in the world, but its club offers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's main approach. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold prefer to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a typically British town, they display a style typical of the best French exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash before that.

They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for various teams in total, had long intended to be a trainer.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “Yet as you mature, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the real world entails. I had a stint at a financial institution doing a trial period. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson manages a roster increasingly filled with internationals: key individuals were selected for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this outstanding cohort attributable to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is certainly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be guided by really interesting people,” he says. “Mallinder had a big impact on my career, my training methods, how I interact with others.”

Saints play appealing football, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the French club overcome in the European competition in the spring when the winger registered a three tries. The player was impressed enough to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We lack the funds for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the young Pollock brings a particular energy. Has he encountered an individual like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but he is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against Leinster in the past campaign demonstrated his freakish talent, but various his animated on-field actions have led to claims of overconfidence.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s not joking around constantly. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would claim to have having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“Together have an curiosity around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We run a book club. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try varied activities, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We talk about lots of things beyond the game: movies, books, concepts, art. When we met our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

A further match in Gall is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be short-lived because the European tournament intervenes next week. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {