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Northampton may not be the most exotic location globally, but its squad delivers an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues choose to retain possession.

Even though embodying a quintessentially English location, they exhibit a panache associated with the greatest French masters of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and progressed well in the Champions Cup – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a penultimate round earlier.

They sit atop the Prem table after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on Saturday as the just one without a loss, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, had long intended to be a coach.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you age, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Conversations with club legends culminated in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a team increasingly filled with internationals: key individuals started for the Red Rose against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this exceptional group because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“This is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a group is certainly one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my career, my training methods, how I interact with others.”

Northampton demonstrate attractive the game, which was clearly evident in the case of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the French club defeated in the European competition in last season when Freeman registered a triple. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to go against the flow of UK players moving to France.

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

‘He desires experience, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be trained, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging the flanker brings a specific vitality. Has he coached an individual like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “All players are original but Henry is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s sensational touchdown against the Irish side last season showcased his freakish skill, but various his demonstrative during matches antics have brought claims of arrogance.

“He sometimes appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel at times it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have in the squad.”

Few coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I have an curiosity about different things,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, wants to know all there is, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on lots of topics beyond the game: movies, reading, thoughts, art. When we met the Parisian club last year, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more date in France is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event takes over soon. The French side, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the South African team travel to soon after.

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