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Northampton is hardly the most glamorous destination on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues opt to run with the ball.

Even though embodying a quintessentially English community, they exhibit a style typical of the greatest French exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in last season’s final and knocked out by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and head to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you understand how much you love the sport, and what the everyday life is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was challenging – you see what you have going for you.”

Conversations with club legends culminated in a role at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson manages a team ever more packed with global stars: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, eventually, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this exceptional cohort attributable to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“This is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he adds. “Mallinder had a major effect on my career, my training methods, how I manage people.”

Saints play attractive football, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was part of the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in April when Freeman registered a three tries. Belleau was impressed sufficiently to go against the flow of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and stated: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have funds for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the possibility 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 inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the young Henry Pollock provides a particular vitality. Has he encountered an individual similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking score against their opponents in the past campaign demonstrated his unusual skill, but a few of his demonstrative in-game behavior have brought allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Henry’s not joking around the whole time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Few coaches would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know everything, wants to experience varied activities, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We converse on many things away from the sport: movies, reading, ideas, art. When we met the Parisian club in the past season, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

A further fixture in the French nation is looming: The Saints' return with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.

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