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This English town may not be the most exotic destination in the world, but its squad provides an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a distinctly UK location, they showcase a style synonymous with the best French exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.

They sit atop the league standings after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the just one without a loss, aiming for a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you mature, you understand how much you appreciate the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a position at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson manages a team progressively crammed with internationals: key individuals were selected for England against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the rise of this remarkable cohort attributable to the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“It is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a unit is certainly one of the causes they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by highly engaging personalities,” he adds. “He had a major effect on my career, my management style, how I manage individuals.”

Northampton execute appealing football, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in last season when the winger notched a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and said: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We lack the funds for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That intrigued us. We spoke to Anthony and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

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

Dowson comments the emerging Pollock offers a unique energy. Has he encountered anyone similar? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “All players are individual but he is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

The player's sensational touchdown against Leinster previously demonstrated his unusual skill, but various his animated in-game antics have brought allegations of arrogance.

“At times comes across as overconfident in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s being serious constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s no fool. I feel sometimes it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have to have around.”

Few directors of rugby would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with Vesty.

“Together have an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He wants to see everything, seeks to understand all there is, wants to experience varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We talk about many things away from rugby: cinema, reading, thoughts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in France is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be temporary because the European tournament kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the border region, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be overconfident enough to {