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Northampton isn't exactly the most glamorous location on the planet, but its club offers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a city famous for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though playing for a distinctly UK community, they showcase a style synonymous with the best French masters of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – losing to their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.

They currently top the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and head to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for multiple clubs in total, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you age, you comprehend how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment is like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a job at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson manages a team ever more packed with internationals: key individuals started for the national side versus the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this remarkable cohort because of the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he notes. “Mallinder had a major effect on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with others.”

The team execute entertaining the game, which proved literally true in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was a member of the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in April when Tommy Freeman scored a triple. Belleau was impressed enough to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and remarked: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We met with Anthony and his communication was excellent, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker brings a particular enthusiasm. Does he know anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson replies. “All players are individual but he is different and unique in many ways. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

His spectacular try against Leinster in the past campaign demonstrated his unusual talent, but various his animated in-game actions have led to accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion seems cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s being serious the whole time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and good fun to have around.”

Not many directors of rugby would admit to enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Together share an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, aims to learn everything, wants to experience varied activities, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of things outside rugby: movies, reading, thoughts, culture. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in Gall is coming up: The Saints' return with the Prem will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. Pau, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at a week later.

“I’m not going to be arrogant sufficiently to {