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Northampton may not be the most glamorous location in the world, but its club offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town renowned for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English community, they exhibit a flair associated with the finest French practitioners of expansive play.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have won the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – losing to their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a semi-final previously.

They lead the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, chasing a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight fixtures for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the real world is like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing a trial period. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you see what you have going for you.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a position at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson manages a squad progressively crammed with internationals: prominent figures were selected for England versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the development of this exceptional generation attributable to the team's ethos, or is it luck?

“It is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by highly engaging individuals,” he says. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage people.”

The team execute entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was a member of the French club defeated in the European competition in April when the winger registered a triple. He was impressed sufficiently to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

“A friend phoned me and stated: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We spoke to Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a particular vitality. Has he coached anyone similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s sensational touchdown against the Irish side last season showcased his unusual skill, but a few of his demonstrative in-game actions have led to accusations of overconfidence.

“He sometimes seems cocky in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not joking around constantly. Tactically he has contributions – he’s no fool. I feel sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any coaches would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“Sam and I share an inquisitiveness around various topics,” he explains. “We have a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, seeks to understand everything, desires to try varied activities, and I believe I’m the same.

“We converse on many topics beyond the sport: films, reading, ideas, culture. When we met Stade [Français] in the past season, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

A further date in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' return with the English competition will be brief because the European tournament kicks in next week. Pau, in the foothills of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.

“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {