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This English town is hardly the most tropical destination in the world, but its rugby union team offers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a place known for shoe production, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Although embodying a typically British location, they display a panache synonymous with the finest Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have won the Premiership and gone deep in the continental tournament – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.

They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and head to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a manager.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you mature, you comprehend how much you appreciate the game, and what the everyday life is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with club legends culminated in a job at Northampton. Move forward eight years and Dowson leads a roster increasingly crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for England against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, eventually, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the rise of this remarkable cohort due to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be guided by highly engaging individuals,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my career, my training methods, how I deal with others.”

Northampton execute entertaining rugby, which proved literally true in the example of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman registered a three tries. Belleau was impressed to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate phoned me and remarked: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

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

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging Pollock provides a specific vitality. Does he know a player similar? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

The player's sensational score against Leinster last season showcased his freakish skill, but a few of his expressive on-field actions have led to claims of overconfidence.

“At times seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's being serious constantly. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think sometimes it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence in the squad.”

Few managers would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with his co-coach.

“Sam and I share an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he explains. “We run a book club. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know each detail, wants to experience varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on many things away from the game: films, reading, ideas, creativity. When we played our French rivals previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

A further fixture in Gall is looming: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be brief because the Champions Cup kicks in shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Bulls travel to the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous to the extent to {