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Northampton is hardly the most glamorous spot globally, but its club provides a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Although playing for a distinctly UK town, they exhibit a panache typical of the finest French practitioners of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the European competition – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round previously.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier games for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you age, you comprehend how much you appreciate the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you see what you have going for you.”

Talks with club legends culminated in a role at the Saints. Move forward a decade and Dowson guides a team progressively filled with internationals: key individuals started for England against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the development of this exceptional cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a unit is definitely one of the reasons they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I deal with others.”

Saints execute appealing rugby, which proved literally true in the case of Anthony Belleau. The import was involved with the French club overcome in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger registered a three tries. He admired the style enough to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate rang me and stated: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We lack the funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the chance to test himself,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old the flanker provides a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but Pollock is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

His breathtaking touchdown against their opponents previously illustrated his unusual ability, but various his demonstrative during matches actions have brought accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion appears cocky in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Not many managers would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I have an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he explains. “We have a book club. He wants to see all aspects, seeks to understand everything, desires to try different things, and I think I’m the same.

“We converse on numerous subjects outside rugby: films, literature, thoughts, creativity. When we faced the Parisian club previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in France is approaching: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be short-lived because the Champions Cup takes over soon. The French side, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club arrive at the following weekend.

“I refuse to be presumptuous sufficiently to {