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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic location on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a place known for boot‑making, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Despite representing a quintessentially English location, they showcase a style synonymous with the finest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and progressed well in the European competition – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by the Irish province in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, chasing a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 elite fixtures for various teams altogether, always planned to be a coach.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “Yet as you age, you realise how much you appreciate the game, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you see what you have going for you.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder resulted in a position at Northampton. Move forward eight years and Dowson manages a team progressively filled with internationals: key individuals started for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the development of this exceptional generation due to the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It's a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a group is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “Mallinder had a major effect on my career, my coaching, how I deal with individuals.”

The team play attractive rugby, which was clearly evident in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The import was involved with the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when Tommy Freeman scored a hat-trick. The player admired the style enough to go against the flow of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We lack the money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the possibility to test himself,’ my contact told me. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his English was incredible, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and away from the French league. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but he is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against Leinster previously demonstrated his freakish skill, but a few of his expressive in-game antics have resulted in allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion seems cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Henry’s being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I feel on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”

Not many coaches would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Vesty.

“Sam and I have an inquisitiveness regarding various topics,” he explains. “We have a reading group. He desires to explore everything, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try varied activities, and I believe I’m the same.

“We talk about many things outside rugby: cinema, reading, concepts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another match in France is coming up: The Saints' return with the English competition will be short-lived because the Champions Cup takes over next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Bulls arrive at a week later.

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