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This English town is hardly the most exotic location globally, but its rugby union team provides a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a town renowned for footwear manufacturing, you might expect punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.

Although embodying a distinctly UK location, they showcase a flair synonymous with the best Gallic masters of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash earlier.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for various teams altogether, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “However as you mature, you realise how much you appreciate the sport, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Discussions with club legends led to a job at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson manages a squad progressively crammed with national team players: key individuals were selected for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, in time, will inherit the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this exceptional generation because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It's a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my career, my coaching, how I interact with others.”

The team execute appealing the game, which was clearly evident in the instance of the French fly-half. The import was part of the opposing team beaten in the European competition in last season when Freeman scored a hat-trick. He was impressed enough to buck the pattern of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no budget for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the opportunity to prove his worth,’ my contact told me. That interested me. We met with him and his English was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the French league. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached a player comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s original but Henry is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

His sensational try against the Irish side last season demonstrated his exceptional skill, but a few of his animated during matches behavior have brought allegations of overconfidence.

“He sometimes appears arrogant in his behavior, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Pollock is being serious the whole time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I believe sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and good fun within the team.”

Few coaches would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a head coach, but that is how Dowson frames his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Together have an curiosity about different things,” he notes. “We run a book club. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the same.

“We discuss many topics away from the sport: movies, books, thoughts, culture. When we met Stade [Français] last year, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

Another match in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be temporary because the European tournament takes over next week. The French side, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on Sunday week before the Bulls arrive at soon after.

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