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Northampton is hardly the most glamorous destination on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a city famous for boot‑making, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ main approach. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues prefer to run with the ball.

Even though playing for a distinctly UK town, they display a panache typical of the best French exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and gone deep in the Champions Cup – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and knocked out by Dublin-based club in a semi-final previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite games for various teams combined, always planned to be a coach.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “But as you mature, you realise how much you love the game, and what the normal employment entails. I had a stint at a financial institution doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with club legends resulted in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward a decade and Dowson leads a team ever more packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for England against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while the fly-half, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.

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

“This is a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is definitely one of the factors they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he says. “Mallinder had a big impact on my professional journey, my coaching, how I interact with people.”

Northampton play entertaining football, which was clearly evident in the case of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was part of the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman registered a three tries. The player was impressed enough to go against the flow of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and stated: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We lack the budget for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We had a conversation with Anthony and his English was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be trained, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging the flanker offers a specific energy. Does he know anyone similar? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “All players are original but Pollock is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

The player's breathtaking try against their opponents in the past campaign demonstrated his unusual skill, but various his demonstrative on-field actions have brought claims of cockiness.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is not joking around the whole time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s no fool. I think at times it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and good fun to have around.”

Hardly any coaches would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Vesty.

“We both have an interest around different things,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He desires to explore various elements, aims to learn everything, wants to experience new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We converse on many topics outside the game: films, literature, concepts, creativity. When we played our French rivals previously, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

One more match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. The French side, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the South African team visit soon after.

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