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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic location on the planet, but its rugby union team offers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a city known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a typically British town, they showcase a flair typical of the greatest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They currently top the league standings after four wins and a draw and head to Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for multiple clubs in total, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing a trial period. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a role at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson leads a team increasingly filled with global stars: prominent figures started for the national side against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, in time, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the rise of this remarkable cohort due to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It's a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a collective is certainly one of the reasons they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be guided by highly engaging people,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with people.”

Northampton play appealing the game, which proved literally true in the example of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was a member of the opposing team overcome in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman notched a hat-trick. Belleau was impressed enough to buck the pattern of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend rang me and stated: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We lack the money for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Belleau and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a particular vitality. Has he encountered an individual similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are individual but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

His spectacular score against Leinster previously illustrated his unusual skill, but a few of his animated on-field behavior have led to allegations of cockiness.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Pollock is not joking around the whole time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and good fun within the team.”

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

“Together have an inquisitiveness around different things,” he explains. “We run a book club. He wants to see various elements, wants to know each detail, wants to experience varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We discuss lots of topics beyond rugby: cinema, literature, concepts, art. When we faced our French rivals last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in France is coming up: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event intervenes next week. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team visit soon after.

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