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This English town is hardly the most exotic location in the world, but its club provides a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a city known for shoe production, you could anticipate boot work to be the Northampton's main approach. However under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold prefer to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a quintessentially English community, they showcase a panache associated with the finest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and progressed well in the European competition – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round previously.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the just one without a loss, aiming for a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you mature, you realise how much you love the game, and what the real world looks like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You do the commute a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Talks with former mentors culminated in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson guides a roster progressively packed with national team players: prominent figures started for England versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, in time, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this remarkable group due to the club's environment, or is it chance?

“This is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is definitely one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I deal with others.”

Northampton play entertaining football, which became obvious in the case of Anthony Belleau. The import was part of the opposing team defeated in the European competition in the spring when the winger notched a triple. He liked what he saw enough to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and remarked: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘There's no budget for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my mate said. That interested me. We met with Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Pollock provides a specific energy. Does he know an individual similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Each person is individual but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

The player's breathtaking touchdown against Leinster previously demonstrated his freakish ability, but a few of his demonstrative during matches antics have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“He sometimes appears cocky in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s a smart player. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence within the team.”

Hardly any managers would claim to have sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Vesty.

“Together possess an interest about various topics,” he says. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, aims to learn all there is, wants to experience varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous subjects away from rugby: cinema, books, thoughts, culture. When we played our French rivals previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more date in Gall is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event takes over next week. The French side, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team travel to soon after.

“I won't be overconfident sufficiently to {