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This English town isn't exactly the most tropical destination globally, but its club offers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to keep ball in hand.

Despite playing for a quintessentially English community, they showcase a style typical of the greatest French exponents of expansive play.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the European competition – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They currently top the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on matchday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, had long intended to be a coach.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “Yet as you age, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the everyday life entails. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing an internship. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was challenging – you see what you have going for you.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a role at the Saints. Move forward a decade and Dowson manages a roster increasingly packed with national team players: prominent figures lined up for the national side versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact from the replacements in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this remarkable group attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting people,” he says. “Mallinder had a major effect on my career, my management style, how I manage others.”

The team demonstrate appealing football, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The Gallic player was part of the opposing team overcome in the European competition in last season when Freeman scored a triple. Belleau admired the style enough to reverse the trend of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and remarked: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We lack the budget for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Pollock offers a unique vitality. Has he coached anyone similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

The player's spectacular touchdown against their opponents last season showcased his unusual skill, but various his expressive on-field antics have led to claims of arrogance.

“At times seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Pollock is not joking around the whole time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would claim to have sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with his co-coach.

“Together possess an curiosity about diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, wants to know each detail, desires to try new experiences, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of subjects away from the sport: films, reading, ideas, creativity. When we faced the Parisian club last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be short-lived because the European tournament kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are up first on matchday before the Bulls travel to a week later.

“I won't be arrogant sufficiently to {