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Northampton may not be the most exotic location in the world, but its squad delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a place renowned for footwear manufacturing, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though playing for a typically British community, they exhibit a style associated with the greatest French exponents of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and advanced far in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.

They currently top the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the just one without a loss, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier matches for various teams in total, had long intended to be a trainer.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “But as you mature, you realise how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with former mentors led to a position at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a squad increasingly packed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the Red Rose facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will take over the No 10 jersey.

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

“It's a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a group is definitely one of the factors they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, a former boss at the club's home, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be guided by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “Jim had a major effect on my professional journey, my coaching, how I deal with others.”

Northampton demonstrate attractive the game, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger notched a hat-trick. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate phoned me and said: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘We don’t have budget for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We met with Belleau and his English was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone 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 comments the 20-year-old the flanker brings a unique energy. Has he coached anyone similar? “Not really,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

The player's breathtaking try against Leinster previously illustrated his freakish skill, but some of his demonstrative during matches antics have led to claims of overconfidence.

“At times appears cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore he's not taking the piss constantly. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I feel on occasion it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and good fun within the team.”

Hardly any directors of rugby would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I share an interest around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We run a reading group. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try different things, and I think I’m the same.

“We talk about numerous subjects outside rugby: films, reading, ideas, art. When we faced the Parisian club last year, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in France is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be brief because the European tournament kicks in soon. Pau, in the foothills of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.

“I’m not going to be overconfident to the extent to {