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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous destination in the world, but its club provides an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a place renowned for shoe production, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to run with the ball.

Despite representing a distinctly UK location, they exhibit a panache typical of the finest French exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and advanced far in the continental tournament – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round earlier.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for multiple clubs in total, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “However as you get older, you realise how much you enjoy the game, and what the real world looks like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing a trial period. You make the journey a few times, and it was challenging – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a role at the Saints. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson leads a team ever more packed with global stars: key individuals started for the Red Rose against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this outstanding cohort because of the team's ethos, or is it chance?

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

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at their stadium, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he says. “Jim had a significant influence on my professional journey, my coaching, how I interact with others.”

Saints execute entertaining the game, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The import was a member of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in April when the winger registered a hat-trick. Belleau was impressed enough to buck the pattern of British stars heading across the Channel.

“An associate rang me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have budget for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the chance to test himself,’ my friend said. That interested me. We spoke to Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Henry Pollock provides a particular energy. Does he know a player like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s original but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against the Irish side in the past campaign demonstrated his freakish talent, but some of his demonstrative during matches actions have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“At times appears arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s portrayed 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 assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“Sam and I possess an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a book club. He aims to discover everything, wants to know all there is, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on lots of things beyond the sport: cinema, literature, ideas, art. When we met Stade [Français] last year, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more date in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event intervenes shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Bulls arrive at a week later.

“I refuse to be overconfident enough to {