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Northampton is hardly the most glamorous location globally, but its rugby union team provides a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a town known for footwear manufacturing, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's main approach. But under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues choose to retain possession.

Even though embodying a distinctly UK location, they exhibit a style associated with the best Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and advanced far in the European competition – defeated by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Bristol on the weekend as the just one without a loss, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for various teams altogether, always planned to be a manager.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life is like. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was tough – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with club legends culminated in a job at the Saints. Move forward a decade and Dowson manages a squad progressively crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, in time, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this exceptional group because of the team's ethos, or is it luck?

“It is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be mentored by really interesting personalities,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage others.”

The team play entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the instance of the French fly-half. The import was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger scored a hat-trick. The player liked what he saw to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend rang me and stated: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘There's no money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my mate told me. That interested me. We met with him and his communication was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock brings a specific energy. Does he know a player like him? “Never,” Dowson answers. “All players are original but he is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

Pollock’s breathtaking score against Leinster in the past campaign demonstrated his exceptional skill, but some of his expressive on-field actions have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion seems arrogant in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Plus he's being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I feel at times it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and great to have in the squad.”

Hardly any managers would admit to having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I possess an curiosity around various topics,” he notes. “We have a book club. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We converse on many subjects outside the sport: movies, reading, thoughts, creativity. When we faced the Parisian club previously, the landmark was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in Gall is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over shortly. Pau, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Bulls visit soon after.

“I refuse to be overconfident sufficiently to {