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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic location on the planet, but its squad offers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a city famous for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Even though embodying a typically British community, they display a style typical of the finest French masters of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and travel to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “Yet as you get older, you comprehend how much you appreciate the sport, and what the real world looks like. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with former mentors culminated in a job at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster progressively filled with internationals: prominent figures started for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

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

“It's a mix of each,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, a former boss at their stadium, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my training methods, how I deal with people.”

Saints play attractive football, which became obvious in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was part of the French club beaten in the continental tournament in last season when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. The player was impressed to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to test himself,’ my mate said. That intrigued us. We met with him and his English was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be trained, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and away from the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker brings a specific energy. Has he encountered anyone similar? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Each person is unique but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s fearless to be himself.”

Pollock’s sensational score against the Irish side previously illustrated his unusual skill, but a few of his demonstrative in-game actions have led to accusations of overconfidence.

“At times comes across as cocky in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is not taking the piss the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and good fun to have around.”

Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Vesty.

“Sam and I have an interest around diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a book club. He desires to explore various elements, seeks to understand all there is, wants to experience different things, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We converse on many subjects outside the sport: cinema, reading, thoughts, creativity. When we played our French rivals last year, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

A further fixture in Gall is looming: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup intervenes next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

“I won't be presumptuous enough to {