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Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical spot on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a place renowned for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a quintessentially English community, they display a style typical of the finest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – beaten by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round earlier.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, chasing a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, had long intended to be a manager.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you age, you realise how much you appreciate the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a role at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson manages a squad progressively packed with internationals: prominent figures were selected for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the rise of this exceptional generation because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by really interesting individuals,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

Northampton demonstrate attractive the game, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The import was involved with the opposing team beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players moving to France.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his communication was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be coached, 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 turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock brings a unique vitality. Does he know a player like him? “No,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s unique but Henry is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

His breathtaking score against Leinster last season showcased his freakish skill, but various his demonstrative on-field behavior have led to allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion appears arrogant in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Pollock is being serious constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s no fool. I feel sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have within the team.”

Not many directors of rugby would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Vesty.

“Together have an interest regarding various topics,” he says. “We run a book club. He desires to explore all aspects, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We discuss lots of things beyond the game: films, books, thoughts, creativity. When we met the Parisian club last year, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another match in France is coming up: The Saints' return with the Prem will be temporary because the European tournament takes over soon. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team travel to soon after.

“I refuse to be presumptuous enough to {