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Northampton is hardly the most exotic spot on the planet, but its club offers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues prefer to retain possession.

Although representing a quintessentially English location, they exhibit a flair typical of the best Gallic exponents of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and gone deep in the Champions Cup – losing to a French side in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash earlier.

They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a trainer.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “But as you age, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life looks like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a role at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson leads a squad progressively packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, in time, will assume the pivotal position.

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

“It is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a group is certainly one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be guided by really interesting people,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my career, my management style, how I deal with others.”

Saints demonstrate appealing football, which proved literally true in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was a member of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in the spring when the winger notched a three tries. The player liked what he saw enough to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

“An associate called me and remarked: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We don’t have budget for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a particular energy. Has he encountered a player similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Each person is individual but he is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

His spectacular score against Leinster previously demonstrated his unusual talent, but some of his demonstrative during matches antics have led to claims of arrogance.

“He sometimes seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss all the time. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence within the team.”

Few directors of rugby would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Vesty.

“We both possess an interest around various topics,” he explains. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, aims to learn everything, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the same.

“We discuss lots of things outside the game: cinema, books, ideas, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

One more date in France is approaching: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be brief because the continental event takes over shortly. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Bulls visit a week later.

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