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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous spot on the planet, but its squad provides a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for boot‑making, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ primary strategy. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to retain possession.

Even though embodying a typically British location, they showcase a style typical of the best French practitioners of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have won the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final before that.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the just one without a loss, chasing a first win at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 elite fixtures for multiple clubs altogether, always planned to be a manager.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he remarks. “However as you age, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a few times, and it was challenging – you see what you have going for you.”

Conversations with former mentors resulted in a position at the Saints. Move forward eight years and Dowson manages a team increasingly filled with internationals: key individuals were selected for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect off the bench in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the fly-half role.

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

“It is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is definitely one of the reasons they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, a former boss at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by really interesting people,” he notes. “Jim had a big impact on my professional journey, my management style, how I manage individuals.”

Saints play entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the case of Anthony Belleau. The import was a member of the opposing team defeated in the European competition in last season when the winger notched a three tries. The player was impressed enough to buck the pattern of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“An associate phoned me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson explains. “I replied: ‘We don’t have money for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the chance to test himself,’ my mate told me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with him 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 coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker provides a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached anyone comparable? “No,” Dowson responds. “Each person is individual but Henry is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His spectacular touchdown against Leinster in the past campaign showcased his exceptional skill, but various his animated in-game actions have brought claims of arrogance.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's not joking around constantly. Game-wise he has input – he’s no fool. I think on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and good fun in the squad.”

Hardly any coaches would admit to having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.

“Sam and I share an interest regarding various topics,” he says. “We maintain a book club. He wants to see all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter different things, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss lots of things away from the sport: films, literature, ideas, art. When we met Stade [Français] in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more fixture in the French nation is looming: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be short-lived because the Champions Cup kicks in next week. The French side, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club visit a week later.

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