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This English town may not be the most exotic spot in the world, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Despite representing a typically British town, they display a panache associated with the best Gallic masters of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – defeated by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the everyday life looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Talks with club legends led to a role at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson leads a team progressively filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for the national side against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, eventually, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this remarkable group due to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting people,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage others.”

Saints demonstrate attractive the game, which proved literally true in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team defeated in the European competition in the spring when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate phoned me and stated: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We lack the funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his communication was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging Henry Pollock provides a unique energy. Has he encountered an individual like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s unique but he is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

The player's breathtaking try against their opponents last season showcased his unusual ability, but a few of his expressive in-game behavior have brought claims of overconfidence.

“On occasion seems cocky in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “And he's not taking the piss the whole time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have within the team.”

Few directors of rugby would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Together possess an curiosity about diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a reading group. He wants to see various elements, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the same.

“We discuss numerous things beyond rugby: movies, reading, thoughts, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

One more match in Gall is looming: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be brief because the European tournament intervenes shortly. Pau, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team travel to soon after.

“I refuse to be presumptuous enough to {