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This English town isn't exactly the most exotic spot on the planet, but its rugby union team offers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a city known for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. However under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to keep ball in hand.

Although playing for a quintessentially English location, they exhibit a panache associated with the greatest French masters of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final previously.

They currently top the league standings after four wins and a draw and head to their West Country rivals on matchday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier matches for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a manager.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “But as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was challenging – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with former mentors resulted in a job at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a squad ever more crammed with internationals: prominent figures were selected for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this outstanding cohort due to the team's ethos, or is it luck?

“It is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be guided by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “Jim had a significant influence on my career, my training methods, how I deal with people.”

The team execute entertaining rugby, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in last season when the winger registered a hat-trick. He liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of British stars moving to France.

“A friend called me and stated: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old the flanker offers a particular energy. Has he coached an individual comparable? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s fearless to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against the Irish side last season illustrated his freakish ability, but some of his animated during matches behavior have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s not joking around all the time. Tactically he has input – he’s not a clown. I believe on occasion it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun to have around.”

Few coaches would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Together possess an interest around various topics,” he explains. “We have a book club. He aims to discover everything, wants to know everything, aims to encounter new experiences, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We converse on many things outside the game: cinema, reading, concepts, creativity. When we played the Parisian club in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in France is approaching: The Saints' return with the Prem will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes next week. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

“I’m not going to be overconfident enough to {