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This English town is hardly the most glamorous spot globally, but its squad provides plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a typically British community, they showcase a panache typical of the best Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite matches for various teams combined, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you appreciate the game, and what the real world entails. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Talks with former mentors led to a role at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a team ever more crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact as a substitute in the national team's flawless campaign while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

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

“It is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be guided by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage people.”

Saints play entertaining football, which became obvious in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in April when the winger notched a triple. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to buck the pattern of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A mate called me and said: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We lack the budget for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my mate said. That interested me. We spoke to him and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the young Henry Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone like him? “No,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His spectacular try against their opponents previously showcased his unusual skill, but some of his animated during matches antics have resulted in claims of arrogance.

“On occasion appears arrogant in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not joking around the whole time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s no fool. I feel on occasion it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.

“Together possess an interest about different things,” he says. “We run a reading group. He aims to discover various elements, wants to know each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about many things beyond rugby: cinema, literature, concepts, art. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

Another date in France is looming: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event intervenes soon. Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team visit soon after.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous sufficiently to {