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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous location in the world, but its squad delivers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.

Although playing for a typically British town, they display a style associated with the greatest Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and advanced far in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a penultimate round before that.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and head to Ashton Gate on matchday as the just one without a loss, seeking a first win at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the everyday life entails. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was challenging – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a team progressively packed with national team players: key individuals started for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect off the bench in the national team's successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will assume the fly-half role.

Is the rise of this remarkable generation due to the team's ethos, or is it luck?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, 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 skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be guided by really interesting people,” he adds. “He had a major effect on my career, my management style, how I deal with people.”

Saints play attractive football, which was clearly evident in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was a member of the French club beaten in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. He admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of British stars moving to France.

“A mate called me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with him and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young Henry Pollock provides a particular enthusiasm. Does he know anyone comparable? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s unique but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

The player's spectacular score against the Irish side in the past campaign demonstrated his freakish ability, but various his demonstrative on-field actions have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And Pollock is being serious constantly. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I believe at times it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and great to have to have around.”

Few coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Vesty.

“Sam and I have an curiosity around diverse subjects,” he notes. “We maintain a reading group. He wants to see everything, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I believe I’m the same.

“We discuss numerous topics outside the sport: films, reading, ideas, art. When we met the Parisian club in the past season, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further date in Gall is approaching: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be brief because the European tournament intervenes shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on matchday before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.

“I won't be overconfident enough to {