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This English town is hardly the most exotic spot in the world, but its club offers a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a city renowned for boot‑making, you would think punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Despite embodying a distinctly UK location, they exhibit a panache typical of the finest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and gone deep in the continental tournament – beaten by a French side in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you get older, you comprehend how much you enjoy the game, and what the normal employment looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing an internship. You do the commute a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you have going for you.”

Discussions with club legends culminated in a position at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a squad progressively crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for England against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

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

“This is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a group is definitely one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my career, my coaching, how I interact with people.”

The team demonstrate appealing football, which became obvious in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the Champions Cup in the spring when Freeman scored a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to buck the pattern of English talent heading across the Channel.

“An associate rang me and stated: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have budget for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my contact told me. That caught my attention. We spoke to Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Henry Pollock offers a unique energy. Does he know anyone like him? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

The player's sensational score against the Irish side in the past campaign illustrated his unusual skill, but various his demonstrative during matches behavior have led to claims of cockiness.

“On occasion appears cocky in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Not many coaches would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with his co-coach.

“Sam and I share an interest regarding different things,” he notes. “We run a reading group. He aims to discover all aspects, aims to learn each detail, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on lots of topics outside rugby: movies, reading, concepts, culture. When we faced our French rivals previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

A further match in France is looming: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be temporary because the European tournament takes over shortly. Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team travel to a week later.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous sufficiently to {