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This English town isn't exactly the most tropical destination in the world, but its squad offers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a town known for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.

Even though representing a distinctly UK town, they showcase a flair typical of the finest Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier games for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you see what you possess and lack.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a team progressively filled with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the national side facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, in time, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

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

“This is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be guided by highly engaging people,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage others.”

Saints demonstrate appealing rugby, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The import was involved with the French club defeated in the continental tournament in April when Freeman notched a triple. The player liked what he saw enough to reverse the trend of English talent moving to France.

“A mate called me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We lack the funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“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 saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the young the flanker provides a specific vitality. Has he encountered a player like him? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “All players are individual but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

The player's breathtaking score against their opponents previously illustrated his freakish skill, but various his expressive in-game antics have resulted in allegations of arrogance.

“At times appears arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and great to have within the team.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.

“We both have an interest around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We run a reading group. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand all there is, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on many things outside the sport: cinema, literature, concepts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup intervenes shortly. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to soon after.

“I refuse to be arrogant to the extent to {