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Northampton may not be the most glamorous location globally, but its club delivers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a city renowned for boot‑making, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to keep ball in hand.

Despite playing for a typically British location, they showcase a panache synonymous with the greatest French exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the Premiership and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final previously.

They lead the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite games for various teams altogether, had long intended to be a coach.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you get older, you understand how much you love the game, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you see what you have going for you.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson manages a roster ever more filled with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the number ten, eventually, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this outstanding cohort attributable to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“This is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, 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 close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he notes. “Mallinder had a big impact on my career, my management style, how I interact with people.”

Saints play appealing rugby, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the French club beaten in the European competition in the spring when Freeman registered a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw enough to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend rang me and stated: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no budget for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock offers a specific vitality. Has he coached a player similar? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Henry is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

The player's spectacular score against the Irish side last season demonstrated his unusual talent, but some of his animated in-game behavior have resulted in accusations of cockiness.

“At times appears cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus he's not joking around constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s no fool. I believe sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence in the squad.”

Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with his co-coach.

“We both have an interest about diverse subjects,” he notes. “We run a book club. He wants to see all aspects, wants to know all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss numerous things away from rugby: cinema, books, thoughts, culture. When we played our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more date in France is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be short-lived because the Champions Cup takes over next week. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls travel to a week later.

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