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Northampton is hardly the most exotic destination in the world, but its squad provides a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though playing for a typically British community, they display a style synonymous with the greatest French practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the Champions Cup – beaten by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “Yet as you get older, you realise how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the normal employment entails. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was challenging – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a role at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson guides a squad progressively filled with internationals: prominent figures were selected for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, eventually, will inherit the pivotal position.

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

“It's a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a group is certainly one of the causes they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

Saints play attractive rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The import was part of the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman registered a hat-trick. He liked what he saw to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players moving to France.

“An associate phoned me and remarked: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We lack the money for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock brings a unique enthusiasm. Has he encountered an individual like him? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s sensational score against the Irish side previously showcased his unusual talent, but various his demonstrative in-game behavior have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“At times comes across as overconfident in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss all the time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence within the team.”

Not many coaches would claim to have having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an curiosity regarding various topics,” he explains. “We have a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We talk about numerous subjects beyond the game: films, literature, thoughts, creativity. When we faced the Parisian club previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in Gall is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be short-lived because the continental event kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team travel to soon after.

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