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This English town may not be the most exotic location on the planet, but its rugby union team offers a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a place famous for shoe production, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Despite playing for a typically British community, they display a panache associated with the best French practitioners of expansive play.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the European competition – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Bristol on matchday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “But as you mature, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment is like. I had a stint at a financial institution doing an internship. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you realise what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with former mentors resulted in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a roster ever more filled with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s successful series while the fly-half, eventually, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this outstanding cohort attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a group is certainly one of the reasons they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting people,” he says. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with people.”

The team demonstrate attractive football, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The import was part of the French club overcome in the continental tournament in April when Freeman scored a three tries. Belleau was impressed to such an extent to reverse the trend of British stars moving to France.

“A friend phoned me and remarked: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants new challenges, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact told me. That interested me. We had a conversation with Anthony and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be trained, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Pollock offers a particular vitality. Has he coached a player like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “Each person is unique but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking score against Leinster last season showcased his freakish talent, but various his expressive during matches antics have resulted in claims of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “And Pollock is not joking around all the time. Tactically he has input – he’s no fool. I believe on occasion it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and good fun in the squad.”

Not many coaches would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an interest regarding different things,” he explains. “We maintain a literary circle. He desires to explore everything, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try different things, and I think I’m the similar.

“We discuss lots of things beyond the game: movies, books, concepts, culture. When we met Stade [Français] last year, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further fixture in the French nation is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the Prem will be brief because the European tournament kicks in shortly. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team arrive at a week later.

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