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This English town may not be the most exotic location on the planet, but its club delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ primary strategy. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though playing for a distinctly UK town, they exhibit a style typical of the finest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have won the English top flight and progressed well in the European competition – losing to their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final earlier.

They lead the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, had long intended to be a trainer.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you mature, you comprehend how much you love the rugby, and what the real world is like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with former mentors culminated in a job at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson leads a team progressively crammed with national team players: key individuals were selected for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, in time, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this outstanding group because of the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is definitely one of the factors they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be coached by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he notes. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my training methods, how I manage people.”

Northampton execute appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman scored a hat-trick. He was impressed to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.

“An associate called me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Anthony and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be trained, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and beyond the French league. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock brings a particular vitality. Does he know an individual comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are individual but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His spectacular score against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his freakish ability, but a few of his animated during matches actions have led to allegations of cockiness.

“At times appears cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Pollock is not joking around all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s no fool. I feel on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence in the squad.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Vesty.

“We both possess an interest around various topics,” he says. “We maintain a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, wants to know everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We converse on lots of topics away from the game: movies, books, ideas, culture. When we played Stade [Français] last year, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in France is approaching: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be brief because the continental event kicks in next week. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.

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