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This English town isn't exactly the most exotic location globally, but its club provides an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a city known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues opt to run with the ball.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English community, they showcase a style associated with the finest French practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and gone deep in the Champions Cup – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a semi-final earlier.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite matches for various teams altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “Yet as you mature, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment is like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was tough – you see what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with former mentors led to a job at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson guides a roster ever more filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's successful series while Fin Smith, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this remarkable group because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a significant influence on my professional journey, my management style, how I manage individuals.”

Northampton play entertaining the game, which proved literally true in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was involved with the French club overcome in the continental tournament in the spring when Freeman notched a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to go against the flow of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend told me. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old the flanker offers a specific enthusiasm. Has he coached a player similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but Henry is distinct and special in many ways. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

The player's spectacular score against Leinster previously showcased his exceptional skill, but some of his animated on-field antics have led to claims of cockiness.

“At times appears arrogant in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Pollock is being serious constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and a positive influence in the squad.”

Not many coaches would claim to have having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.

“Together have an curiosity around different things,” he explains. “We run a book club. He wants to see everything, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We discuss many topics away from rugby: cinema, books, thoughts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in France is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in soon. Pau, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Bulls travel to the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident enough to {