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This English town is hardly the most glamorous destination in the world, but its squad offers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Despite representing a quintessentially English community, they display a style synonymous with the finest French exponents of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Leinster in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and head to Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight fixtures for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a trainer.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you enjoy the game, and what the normal employment looks like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing an internship. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you have going for you.”

Talks with former mentors culminated in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a squad ever more packed with national team players: key individuals were selected for England against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, in time, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this exceptional cohort attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, 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 talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by really interesting people,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Saints play appealing football, which proved literally true in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was part of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in April when Tommy Freeman notched a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

“A mate rang me and said: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my friend said. That intrigued us. We spoke to Belleau and his language skills was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be trained, to be driven, to be in a new environment and beyond the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the young the flanker offers a particular energy. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson responds. “All players are original but Henry is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

His breathtaking touchdown against the Irish side last season showcased his unusual talent, but a few of his expressive on-field antics have brought claims of cockiness.

“On occasion seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Pollock is not taking the piss the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and great to have to have around.”

Hardly any managers would admit to having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Vesty.

“Together share an inquisitiveness about different things,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover various elements, wants to know each detail, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss lots of subjects away from the sport: movies, reading, concepts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another fixture in France is approaching: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in soon. Pau, in the foothills of the border region, are up first on matchday before the Bulls visit a week later.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {