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This English town is hardly the most glamorous location in the world, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Even though representing a typically British location, they exhibit a panache synonymous with the best Gallic exponents of expansive play.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and gone deep in the Champions Cup – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by the Irish province in a last-four clash earlier.

They currently top the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for multiple clubs in total, always planned to be a coach.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “But as you mature, you realise how much you appreciate the game, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing a trial period. You do the commute a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Discussions with club legends culminated in a position at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson leads a roster progressively filled with internationals: key individuals started for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, down the line, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the development of this remarkable cohort attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be coached by highly engaging personalities,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage people.”

Saints execute attractive the game, which was clearly evident in the example of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was involved with the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman scored a hat-trick. He liked what he saw sufficiently to buck the pattern of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and said: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We lack the funds for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Belleau and his language skills was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and beyond the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the young Pollock provides a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s individual but he is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against Leinster last season showcased his unusual ability, but a few of his animated during matches behavior have led to claims of arrogance.

“At times seems arrogant in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus he's not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s not a clown. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”

Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“Together share an interest about diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He wants to see various elements, wants to know each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on many subjects outside the game: cinema, reading, concepts, creativity. When we played the Parisian club last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another date in France is approaching: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be brief because the European tournament intervenes soon. The French side, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to soon after.

“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {