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This English town may not be the most exotic spot globally, but its squad offers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a city known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to retain possession.

Although representing a quintessentially English town, they display a panache synonymous with the finest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have won the English top flight and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They lead the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight matches for multiple clubs altogether, had long intended to be a coach.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you mature, you comprehend how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the everyday life is like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was challenging – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Talks with club legends culminated in a position at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a team ever more filled with internationals: prominent figures lined up for the Red Rose against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the development of this remarkable cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It's a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he notes. “Jim had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

Saints demonstrate attractive rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The import was part of the opposing team beaten in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman scored a triple. Belleau admired the style enough to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We lack the budget for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We met with him and his language skills was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the young Henry Pollock offers a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone similar? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Each person is unique but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

His spectacular score against the Irish side previously showcased his unusual talent, but some of his expressive during matches behavior have led to allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s not taking the piss the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”

Not many managers would claim to have sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.

“We both share an interest regarding various topics,” he notes. “We have a book club. He aims to discover various elements, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We discuss many topics beyond rugby: films, literature, concepts, culture. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' return with the Prem will be short-lived because the European tournament intervenes next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Bulls travel to soon after.

“I refuse to be presumptuous to the extent to {