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This English town is hardly the most exotic location in the world, but its rugby union team offers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Although representing a typically British location, they showcase a panache synonymous with the greatest French practitioners of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the European competition – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final before that.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on matchday as the just one without a loss, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “Yet as you get older, you realise how much you appreciate the sport, and what the real world looks like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing work experience. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was tough – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a job at the Saints. Move forward a decade and Dowson guides a team progressively crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact as a substitute in the national team's successful series while the number ten, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this exceptional group because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by really interesting personalities,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

Saints demonstrate attractive the game, which became obvious in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was part of the opposing team beaten in the European competition in last season when the winger notched a triple. The player was impressed sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend rang me and said: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We met with him and his English was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Henry Pollock offers a particular enthusiasm. Does he know a player like him? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Each person is original but Pollock is distinct and special in many ways. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

The player's breathtaking try against the Irish side previously showcased his freakish talent, but some of his demonstrative on-field behavior have brought claims of arrogance.

“He sometimes seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Pollock is not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel on occasion it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Not many coaches would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Vesty.

“Together share an curiosity regarding various topics,” he explains. “We run a reading group. He desires to explore various elements, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the same.

“We discuss many topics away from the game: films, literature, ideas, art. When we faced Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in France is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the European tournament takes over next week. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the Bulls visit the following weekend.

“I refuse to be presumptuous enough to {