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Northampton may not be the most exotic location globally, but its club provides an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town known for boot‑making, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a distinctly UK town, they exhibit a panache synonymous with the best Gallic exponents of expansive play.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the Champions Cup – losing to a French side in last season’s final and knocked out by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They sit atop the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for various teams in total, always planned to be a coach.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you get older, you understand how much you love the sport, and what the normal employment entails. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing an internship. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with club legends led to a position at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a team ever more packed with global stars: prominent figures were selected for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, in time, will assume the No 10 jersey.

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

“It's a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a collective is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I deal with individuals.”

The team execute attractive rugby, which became obvious in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the French club defeated in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman registered a three tries. He admired the style enough to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate rang me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We lack the funds for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be trained, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock provides a unique energy. Does he know a player comparable? “No,” Dowson replies. “All players are original but Henry is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

The player's sensational try against Leinster previously showcased his unusual ability, but various his animated on-field behavior have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“At times seems arrogant in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “And Pollock is not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I feel on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence in the squad.”

Not many managers would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.

“We both have an curiosity about diverse subjects,” he notes. “We run a reading group. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand everything, desires to try new experiences, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We talk about numerous subjects away from the sport: films, books, concepts, culture. When we faced the Parisian club in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

A further match in France is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be brief because the continental event kicks in next week. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club arrive at the following weekend.

“I refuse to be presumptuous enough to {