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Northampton may not be the most tropical location in the world, but its club offers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a place renowned for boot‑making, you would think punting to be the Saints’ main approach. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues opt to run with the ball.

Although embodying a typically British community, they display a flair synonymous with the greatest French masters of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and gone deep in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in last season’s final and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, chasing a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight fixtures for various teams in total, had long intended to be a coach.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “However as you mature, you realise how much you love the game, and what the real world entails. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was tough – you see what you have going for you.”

Conversations with club legends led to a role at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson guides a team progressively packed with internationals: key individuals lined up for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect off the bench in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable group because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It's a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he notes. “Jim had a big impact on my career, my training methods, how I manage others.”

The team demonstrate entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The Gallic player was part of the French club overcome in the continental tournament in April when the winger notched a hat-trick. The player liked what he saw to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players moving to France.

“An associate phoned me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Belleau and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Pollock provides a specific vitality. Does he know anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson responds. “All players are original but he is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking try against the Irish side previously demonstrated his freakish ability, but some of his demonstrative in-game antics have brought accusations of cockiness.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And he's being serious all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and great to have within the team.”

Not many coaches would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I have an curiosity regarding various topics,” he says. “We maintain a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, wants to know all there is, wants to experience varied activities, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We converse on lots of subjects beyond the game: cinema, reading, concepts, creativity. When we met the Parisian club in the past season, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

A further fixture in the French nation is looming: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be short-lived because the continental event takes over soon. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to a week later.

“I refuse to be presumptuous enough to {