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Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical destination globally, but its club delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a city renowned for boot‑making, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold opt to retain possession.

Despite representing a quintessentially English community, they display a flair synonymous with the best French masters of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in last season’s final and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash before that.

They lead the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on matchday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight fixtures for various teams in total, always planned to be a coach.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “Yet as you age, you realise how much you enjoy the game, and what the normal employment is like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was challenging – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a position at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a squad increasingly filled with national team players: prominent figures were selected for the Red Rose versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this exceptional group due to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“This is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage individuals.”

Saints play entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was part of the Clermont XV beaten in the European competition in last season when Freeman registered a hat-trick. He was impressed sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate rang me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have money for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock brings a specific energy. Has he coached a player like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “All players are individual but Henry is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against their opponents in the past campaign demonstrated his exceptional ability, but various his expressive in-game actions have led to accusations of cockiness.

“He sometimes comes across as arrogant in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss all the time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence within the team.”

Hardly any managers would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with his co-coach.

“Sam and I possess an interest about diverse subjects,” he notes. “We have a book club. He desires to explore everything, wants to know everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We discuss numerous things away from the game: cinema, books, thoughts, creativity. When we played the Parisian club in the past season, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

A further fixture in France is approaching: The Saints' return with the English competition will be temporary because the European tournament kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on the coming weekend before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {