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Northampton may not be the most exotic spot on the planet, but its club offers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a city known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a distinctly UK location, they showcase a flair typical of the finest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the Champions Cup – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a last-four clash earlier.

They lead the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you get older, you understand how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a role at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster ever more filled with national team players: prominent figures were selected for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, in time, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the development of this outstanding cohort due to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It's a mix of each,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a unit is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my professional journey, my coaching, how I deal with people.”

Saints demonstrate attractive rugby, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Frenchman was a member of the opposing team beaten in the European competition in last season when Freeman registered a three tries. The player was impressed enough to go against the flow of British stars moving to France.

“A friend phoned me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We don’t have funds for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my mate told me. That interested me. We met with him and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a particular vitality. Has he coached an individual comparable? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are original but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

The player's sensational try against the Irish side last season demonstrated his freakish skill, but a few of his expressive on-field actions have resulted in claims of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as overconfident in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think at times it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and good fun to have around.”

Few managers would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I share an curiosity around different things,” he explains. “We maintain 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 talk about lots of things beyond the sport: movies, literature, thoughts, culture. When we played the Parisian club last year, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event takes over shortly. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are up first on matchday before the Bulls visit a week later.

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