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This English town may not be the most glamorous destination on the planet, but its club provides plenty of romance and adventure.

In a town renowned for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. But under leader Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Although embodying a distinctly UK location, they display a flair synonymous with the finest French masters of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the continental tournament – beaten by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a semi-final before that.

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, chasing a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite games for various teams altogether, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “But as you mature, you understand how much you love the sport, and what the everyday life looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with club legends resulted in a position at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson manages a roster progressively packed with global stars: prominent figures were selected for England against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, in time, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the development of this remarkable cohort attributable to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“This is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting individuals,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

The team execute entertaining the game, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The import was a member of the French club defeated in the Champions Cup in April when the winger notched a triple. Belleau was impressed sufficiently to reverse the trend of English talent moving to France.

“A friend called me and stated: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We lack the budget for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my mate informed me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock offers a particular energy. Does he know an individual like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s individual but Henry is different and unique in many ways. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against Leinster last season illustrated his exceptional talent, but various his animated on-field behavior have led to claims of cockiness.

“He sometimes appears arrogant in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is not joking around the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and great to have in the squad.”

Few managers would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.

“We both possess an inquisitiveness about diverse subjects,” he explains. “We maintain a book club. He wants to see various elements, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter new experiences, and I think I’m the same.

“We talk about numerous subjects away from rugby: cinema, literature, concepts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] in the past season, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s return with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are up first on matchday before the Bulls visit the following weekend.

“I refuse to be presumptuous to the extent to {