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This English town is hardly the most exotic destination globally, but its rugby union team provides plenty of romance and adventure.

In a place renowned for shoe production, you could anticipate kicking to be the Northampton's main approach. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues choose to run with the ball.

Even though playing for a typically British town, they display a flair typical of the finest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by a French side in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash earlier.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the just one without a loss, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier matches for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “However as you mature, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the normal employment is like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with club legends resulted in a job at the Saints. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson manages a roster increasingly crammed with global stars: key individuals lined up for England against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, eventually, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this outstanding group because of the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I deal with people.”

Northampton execute attractive the game, which proved literally true in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was involved with the French club beaten in the European competition in last season when Freeman scored a triple. The player liked what he saw enough to go against the flow of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and stated: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my friend said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Pollock provides a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but he is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

His breathtaking score against the Irish side last season showcased his exceptional talent, but a few of his animated in-game behavior have led to claims of cockiness.

“At times appears overconfident in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's being serious all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and good fun in the squad.”

Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.

“We both possess an curiosity about different things,” he says. “We have a reading group. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know all there is, desires to try varied activities, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We discuss lots of topics beyond the game: cinema, books, thoughts, culture. When we faced our French rivals previously, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more match in France is looming: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event takes over next week. The French side, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to the following weekend.

“I won't be arrogant sufficiently to {