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Northampton is hardly the most exotic location in the world, but its squad offers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a town known for boot‑making, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though embodying a distinctly UK town, they display a panache associated with the best Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and gone deep in the Champions Cup – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a last-four clash previously.

They currently top the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, chasing a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite games for multiple clubs altogether, had long intended to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you mature, you comprehend how much you love the sport, 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 challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson guides a team ever more packed with internationals: key individuals lined up for the Red Rose versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's successful series while the fly-half, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the development of this remarkable generation because of the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“This is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the reasons they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be guided by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he adds. “He had a major effect on my professional journey, my coaching, how I interact with individuals.”

Northampton execute appealing the game, which became obvious in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the Champions Cup in April when the winger registered a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style enough to go against the flow of English talent moving to France.

“A mate phoned me and remarked: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We spoke to Belleau and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be guided, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock provides a unique vitality. Has he coached anyone similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s unique but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His sensational touchdown against their opponents last season showcased his unusual skill, but some of his expressive in-game antics have brought allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion seems cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Henry’s not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I think at times it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence to have around.”

Few managers would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Together have an curiosity around different things,” he says. “We maintain a book club. He wants to see everything, seeks to understand everything, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the same.

“We discuss numerous things beyond the sport: films, books, ideas, culture. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the Prem will be short-lived because the European tournament intervenes shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club travel to the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {