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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous spot in the world, but its rugby union team provides plenty of excitement and passion.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Although playing for a quintessentially English location, they showcase a flair synonymous with the best French masters of expansive play.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have won the Premiership and gone deep in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by the Irish province in a last-four clash earlier.

They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight matches for various teams in total, had long intended to be a manager.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you appreciate the sport, and what the normal employment is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing a trial period. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with club legends resulted in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a squad ever more packed with global stars: key individuals lined up for the national side facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, eventually, will take over the pivotal position.

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

“It is a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by really interesting people,” he adds. “He had a major effect on my career, my management style, how I deal with individuals.”

Northampton play appealing football, which became obvious in the case of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was a member of the French club defeated in the continental tournament in April when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. He was impressed sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and said: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the possibility to test himself,’ my contact told me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the young the flanker brings a unique vitality. Does he know anyone like him? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Each person is individual but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

The player's sensational score against Leinster in the past campaign illustrated his unusual talent, but various his demonstrative on-field antics have led to claims of cockiness.

“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s being serious the whole time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and good fun to have around.”

Hardly any coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I possess an curiosity about various topics,” he notes. “We run a reading group. He aims to discover various elements, wants to know each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about many things away from the game: films, reading, ideas, creativity. When we met our French rivals last year, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further fixture in Gall is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be temporary because the continental event kicks in next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club visit the following weekend.

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