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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous location in the world, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a city famous for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ primary strategy. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to keep ball in hand.

Despite representing a typically British location, they display a flair associated with the finest French masters of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and progressed well in the European competition – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for various teams in total, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the everyday life looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing an internship. You travel to work a few times, and it was tough – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a position at Northampton. Move forward eight years and Dowson guides a roster progressively crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this remarkable cohort attributable to the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“This is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with people.”

Saints play entertaining football, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the European competition in last season when Tommy Freeman notched a triple. Belleau liked what he saw enough to go against the flow of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We lack the funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the young the flanker offers a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered a player comparable? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Each person is unique but Pollock is different and unique in many ways. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

His breathtaking score against the Irish side last season showcased his freakish ability, but a few of his expressive in-game actions have resulted in accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Plus he's being serious constantly. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence within the team.”

Not many coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I possess an curiosity about different things,” he says. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, wants to know everything, aims to encounter different things, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We converse on many subjects away from the game: cinema, literature, thoughts, creativity. When we played our French rivals last year, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

Another fixture in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be temporary because the European tournament intervenes next week. Pau, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club visit the following weekend.

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