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Northampton may not be the most exotic location in the world, but its squad delivers a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a city famous for shoe production, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold prefer to keep ball in hand.

Although embodying a distinctly UK location, they showcase a panache typical of the greatest French practitioners of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and advanced far in the European competition – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a penultimate round earlier.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to their West Country rivals on matchday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for multiple clubs altogether, had long intended to be a trainer.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you mature, you comprehend how much you love the sport, and what the real world entails. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a role at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster progressively packed with national team players: key individuals were selected for the Red Rose versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this outstanding cohort due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a major influence. “I was lucky to be mentored by really interesting personalities,” he says. “He had a big impact on my rugby life, my training methods, how I deal with others.”

Northampton execute appealing the game, which was clearly evident in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The import was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger registered a three tries. The player admired the style enough to go against the flow of English talent moving to France.

“A friend rang me and remarked: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no budget for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my friend told me. That interested me. We had a conversation with him and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the young Henry Pollock brings a particular energy. Does he know anyone similar? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Each person is individual but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

His spectacular try against their opponents previously illustrated his unusual talent, but a few of his animated on-field actions have brought claims of arrogance.

“At times seems arrogant in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus he's being serious constantly. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think at times it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have within the team.”

Not many managers would admit to sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an interest around various topics,” he says. “We run a book club. He aims to discover all aspects, seeks to understand everything, desires to try different things, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about many things away from the sport: movies, reading, ideas, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Bulls visit soon after.

“I’m not going to be arrogant enough to {