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Northampton is hardly the most exotic spot in the world, but its club provides a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a place known for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. However under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to run with the ball.

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

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a semi-final before that.

They currently top the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit their West Country rivals on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for multiple clubs in total, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “However as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing an internship. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was difficult – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Talks with club legends led to a role at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a squad increasingly packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for England versus the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, eventually, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this outstanding cohort because of the club's environment, or is it chance?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “Mallinder had a major effect on my professional journey, my training methods, how I deal with others.”

Northampton demonstrate appealing the game, which became obvious in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was part of the opposing team defeated in the continental tournament in April when Freeman notched a triple. Belleau liked what he saw to such an extent to go against the flow of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and said: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my contact informed me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Belleau and his English was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young the flanker brings a particular vitality. Has he encountered an individual like him? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

The player's sensational try against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his freakish talent, but various his expressive on-field antics have brought allegations of overconfidence.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s intelligent and great to have to have around.”

Not many coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.

“We both have an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the same.

“We discuss lots of topics away from the sport: movies, reading, ideas, culture. When we faced the Parisian club last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

A further fixture in the French nation is approaching: The Saints' return with the Prem will be brief because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to soon after.

“I won't be arrogant to the extent to {