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This English town may not be the most tropical destination in the world, but its squad delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a town known for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a quintessentially English location, they exhibit a flair synonymous with the greatest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They sit atop the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the just one without a loss, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite fixtures for multiple clubs combined, always planned to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “But as you age, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world is like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Conversations with former mentors resulted in a role at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson manages a team increasingly filled with global stars: key individuals lined up for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect off the bench in England’s successful series while the number ten, down the line, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this outstanding group because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is certainly one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, a former boss at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my coaching, how I manage people.”

Northampton play appealing football, which proved literally true in the example of Anthony Belleau. The Gallic player was involved with the French club defeated in the European competition in the spring when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. Belleau was impressed to such an extent to reverse the trend of English talent moving to France.

“An associate called me and said: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We met with Belleau and his language skills was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Pollock offers a specific enthusiasm. Has he encountered an individual like him? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s individual but Henry is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

The player's sensational touchdown against Leinster in the past campaign showcased his unusual talent, but some of his expressive in-game actions have led to allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s not joking around constantly. In terms of strategy he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and good fun within the team.”

Hardly any managers would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Vesty.

“Together have an inquisitiveness about different things,” he explains. “We have a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, seeks to understand everything, desires to try new experiences, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We talk about lots of things beyond rugby: cinema, literature, thoughts, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

One more match in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be short-lived because the European tournament kicks in shortly. The French side, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on matchday before the Bulls travel to soon after.

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