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This English town may not be the most glamorous spot in the world, but its rugby union team offers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to run with the ball.

Despite playing for a distinctly UK town, they exhibit a style synonymous with the best Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash earlier.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, had long intended to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you mature, you realise how much you love the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I had a stint at a banking firm doing a trial period. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was tough – you see what you have going for you.”

Conversations with former mentors culminated in a role at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster progressively crammed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected 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, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this outstanding group due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “Jim had a major effect on my career, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Northampton demonstrate attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the case of their new signing. The import was a member of the French club defeated in the European competition in April when Freeman notched a hat-trick. The player liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate called me and stated: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘There's no budget for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We met with him and his English was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock brings a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered a player comparable? “No,” Dowson replies. “All players are original but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

His sensational score against the Irish side last season demonstrated his exceptional ability, but some of his animated in-game antics have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“He sometimes seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “And Pollock is not taking the piss constantly. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any coaches would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Together possess an curiosity around various topics,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He aims to discover various elements, aims to learn everything, desires to try new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We converse on many subjects beyond the game: films, books, thoughts, creativity. When we played Stade [Français] previously, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

A further match in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be temporary because the European tournament intervenes soon. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to a week later.

“I refuse to be overconfident sufficiently to {