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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous destination globally, but its squad delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you could anticipate punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues prefer to retain possession.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English town, they showcase a style typical of the finest French masters of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in the ultimate match and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round previously.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and travel to Bristol on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier fixtures for various teams altogether, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you get older, you realise how much you love the game, and what the everyday life looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was challenging – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with club legends culminated in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a squad ever more crammed with global stars: prominent figures started for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, in time, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the development of this exceptional cohort because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a collective is certainly one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting people,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

Saints demonstrate appealing the game, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV defeated in the Champions Cup in April when the winger notched a hat-trick. The player admired the style to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate phoned me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘There's no money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my mate told me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the Top 14. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock provides a unique energy. Does he know an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but he is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against their opponents in the past campaign demonstrated his unusual ability, but various his expressive during matches antics have led to allegations of arrogance.

“He sometimes appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus he's not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and a positive influence in the squad.”

Few coaches would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I possess an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a book club. He aims to discover everything, aims to learn all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We discuss lots of things outside the sport: films, literature, thoughts, art. When we met Stade [Français] last year, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a little wander around.”

One more fixture in Gall is looming: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in shortly. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.

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