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This English town isn't exactly the most tropical location on the planet, but its squad delivers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a city known for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors prefer to run with the ball.

Although representing a quintessentially English community, they display a flair synonymous with the finest French practitioners of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and progressed well in the European competition – beaten by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Leinster in a semi-final before that.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit their West Country rivals on the weekend as the just one without a loss, seeking a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you love the rugby, and what the real world entails. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with club legends resulted in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a squad increasingly crammed with global stars: prominent figures started for the national side facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, eventually, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this remarkable cohort due to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by highly engaging people,” he notes. “He had a big impact on my rugby life, my training methods, how I deal with others.”

Saints execute appealing the game, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was involved with the French club defeated in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman scored a three tries. Belleau was impressed enough to go against the flow of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That interested me. We met with him and his language skills was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be trained, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock offers a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered a player comparable? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking score against the Irish side previously showcased his unusual talent, but various his animated in-game antics have led to claims of overconfidence.

“At times comes across as overconfident in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “And he's being serious all the time. Tactically he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and good fun to have around.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Vesty.

“Sam and I have an curiosity about different things,” he says. “We maintain a reading group. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn all there is, wants to experience different things, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous topics outside the sport: cinema, literature, concepts, creativity. When we met our French rivals in the past season, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be brief because the continental event kicks in next week. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on matchday before the South African team visit a week later.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {