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This English town may not be the most glamorous spot on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place renowned for boot‑making, you would think kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues opt to retain possession.

Despite representing a distinctly UK town, they display a panache synonymous with the finest French practitioners of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the Champions Cup – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a last-four clash previously.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit Bristol on matchday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier fixtures for various teams combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you love the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with former mentors led to a role at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson leads a squad ever more filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for the Red Rose against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

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

“This is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a collective is certainly one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be mentored by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage individuals.”

The team play appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was part of the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman registered a three tries. The player admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘There's no budget for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging the flanker offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but Henry is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

Pollock’s sensational try against Leinster previously illustrated his exceptional ability, but some of his demonstrative in-game antics have brought claims of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as overconfident in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Furthermore he's being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has input – he’s not a clown. I feel at times it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun within the team.”

Not many managers would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Together share an inquisitiveness regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We maintain a book club. He wants to see everything, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience different things, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We discuss lots of topics away from rugby: cinema, literature, concepts, art. When we met Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in Gall is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup intervenes next week. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant to the extent to {