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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous spot in the world, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city known for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. But under leader Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold prefer to retain possession.

Despite playing for a distinctly UK location, they showcase a panache associated with the greatest French exponents of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the just one without a loss, chasing a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for various teams combined, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “Yet as you get older, you realise how much you love the sport, and what the normal employment is like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Talks with former mentors led to a position at the Saints. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson guides a squad increasingly filled with global stars: key individuals lined up for the Red Rose versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence from the replacements in the national team's successful series while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the development of this outstanding generation because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It's a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “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 interact with others.”

Northampton play attractive football, which was clearly evident in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in April when Freeman notched a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style enough to go against the flow of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate phoned me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We lack the budget for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend informed me. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his language skills was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Pollock brings a specific vitality. Has he coached an individual like him? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s original but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

His spectacular try against the Irish side last season demonstrated his exceptional talent, but a few of his animated in-game behavior have led to claims of arrogance.

“On occasion appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I think on occasion it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence in the squad.”

Not many managers would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he notes. “We maintain a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, wants to know everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We discuss lots of subjects away from rugby: cinema, reading, concepts, culture. When we played the Parisian club last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another date in the French nation is looming: The Saints' comeback with the English competition will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

“I refuse to be overconfident sufficiently to {