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This English town may not be the most glamorous spot globally, but its rugby union team provides plenty of excitement and passion.

In a town renowned for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's primary strategy. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues prefer to keep ball in hand.

Although playing for a distinctly UK community, they exhibit a flair typical of the finest French exponents of expansive play.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final before that.

They lead the league standings after four wins and a draw and travel to Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight matches for multiple clubs altogether, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you get older, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was challenging – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a team ever more crammed with global stars: prominent figures started for England against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this exceptional cohort attributable to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“This is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be guided by really interesting people,” he says. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage individuals.”

The team execute attractive rugby, which became obvious in the example of Anthony Belleau. The import was a member of the French club beaten in the Champions Cup in last season when the winger registered a triple. He was impressed to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.

“An associate called me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We lack the funds for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We spoke to Anthony and his language skills was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the French league. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the young Pollock offers a specific energy. Has he coached an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are original but he is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against the Irish side in the past campaign illustrated his exceptional ability, but some of his animated during matches actions have resulted in claims of cockiness.

“At times seems cocky in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is being serious all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s no fool. I feel at times it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence to have around.”

Not many coaches would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Vesty.

“Together possess an interest about diverse subjects,” he says. “We run a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the same.

“We talk about lots of topics beyond the sport: cinema, books, thoughts, culture. When we faced our French rivals last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another fixture in France is coming up: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be brief because the continental event takes over soon. Pau, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on the coming weekend before the Bulls travel to a week later.

“I refuse to be overconfident sufficiently to {