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Northampton may not be the most exotic location in the world, but its rugby union team provides plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town known for shoe production, 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 keep ball in hand.

Despite embodying a distinctly UK community, they showcase a panache associated with the best French practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final before that.

They currently top the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Bristol on matchday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you appreciate the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with former mentors led to a job at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a team ever more crammed with global stars: key individuals were selected for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, in time, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this exceptional cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

The team play entertaining rugby, which proved literally true in the case of their new signing. The Frenchman was a member of the opposing team overcome in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman scored a hat-trick. Belleau was impressed sufficiently to reverse the trend of British stars moving to France.

“A friend phoned me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We don’t have funds for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That caught my attention. We spoke to Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock offers a specific energy. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s original but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against the Irish side previously demonstrated his unusual skill, but some of his expressive during matches behavior have resulted in claims of overconfidence.

“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Pollock is not taking the piss constantly. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have within the team.”

Not many coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Together share an curiosity around various topics,” he notes. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore various elements, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We talk about numerous things beyond rugby: movies, literature, thoughts, culture. When we met Stade [Français] previously, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

Another date in Gall is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be brief because the continental event takes over shortly. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team visit soon after.

“I won't be presumptuous enough to {