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This English town is hardly the most exotic spot globally, but its club offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a place renowned for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate boot work to be the Northampton's main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold prefer to retain possession.

Even though playing for a typically British town, they exhibit a panache associated with the finest French exponents of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have won the domestic league and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a semi-final before that.

They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit their West Country rivals on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight matches for various teams altogether, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you mature, you comprehend how much you appreciate the game, and what the real world looks like. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a squad progressively filled with global stars: key individuals lined up for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this remarkable cohort due to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he says. “Jim had a significant influence on my career, my training methods, how I deal with people.”

Northampton play entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of the French fly-half. The import was involved with the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in the spring when the winger registered a three tries. The player was impressed sufficiently to reverse the trend of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A mate rang me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have budget for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend said. That interested me. We had a conversation with Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Pollock provides a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s original but he is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against the Irish side in the past campaign illustrated his unusual ability, but various his expressive during matches actions have brought claims of overconfidence.

“He sometimes seems overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I think at times it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”

Few coaches would admit to sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an curiosity about various topics,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He desires to explore everything, seeks to understand everything, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on lots of topics away from rugby: films, reading, ideas, culture. When we faced our French rivals previously, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the domestic league will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes soon. Pau, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls visit soon after.

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