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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic destination on the planet, but its club provides an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a place famous for shoe production, you would think punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. However under leader Phil Dowson, the side in their distinctive colors opt to run with the ball.

Although representing a typically British community, they display a panache typical of the greatest French exponents of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – losing to their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash earlier.

They sit atop the Prem table after four wins and a draw and travel to Ashton Gate on matchday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs in total, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “Yet as you get older, you comprehend how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the everyday life is like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Conversations with club legends resulted in a position at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson guides a team increasingly packed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect off the bench in England’s successful series while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this remarkable group attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It's a combination of the two,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he adds. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my management style, how I deal with others.”

The team demonstrate attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was a member of the French club overcome in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. He liked what he saw to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend phoned me and remarked: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We lack the funds for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to test himself,’ my mate told me. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his communication was excellent, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He said to be guided, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and beyond the French league. I was thinking: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old the flanker offers a specific enthusiasm. Does he know an individual comparable? “Never,” Dowson replies. “Each person is unique but Henry is distinct and special in many ways. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

The player's spectacular try against Leinster previously illustrated his unusual skill, but some of his demonstrative in-game behavior have brought allegations of arrogance.

“On occasion appears arrogant in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Plus he's not taking the piss the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”

Not many managers would claim to have sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with Vesty.

“Together share an interest regarding various topics,” he notes. “We run a literary circle. He aims to discover everything, wants to know each detail, wants to experience different things, and I feel like I’m the same.

“We discuss lots of subjects away from rugby: movies, literature, thoughts, culture. When we faced our French rivals last year, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another match in France is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes next week. Pau, in the foothills of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the Bulls arrive at the following weekend.

“I won't be presumptuous to the extent to {