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This English town is hardly the most tropical spot globally, but its squad offers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a city known for shoe production, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Although representing a distinctly UK location, they showcase a panache typical of the greatest Gallic exponents of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and travel to Bristol on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, had long intended to be a manager.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “But as you age, you understand how much you appreciate the game, and what the normal employment is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a job at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson leads a roster increasingly crammed with global stars: prominent figures started for the national side facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s successful series while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the development of this remarkable generation due to the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It's a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the causes they are so tight and so skilled.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting people,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my management style, how I deal with others.”

Saints demonstrate appealing rugby, which was clearly evident in the case of their new signing. The Frenchman was a member of the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in the spring when Freeman notched a triple. Belleau admired the style enough to buck the pattern of UK players moving to France.

“An associate phoned me and stated: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We don’t have budget for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my mate told me. That interested me. We met with him and his language skills was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be pushed, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Henry Pollock provides a particular energy. Has he encountered an individual similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but he is different and unique in many ways. He’s not afraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s breathtaking try against their opponents previously illustrated his exceptional talent, but a few of his animated during matches behavior have resulted in claims of cockiness.

“At times seems arrogant in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore he's not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I believe sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Few managers would claim to have having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his relationship with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an interest regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a literary circle. He aims to discover all aspects, wants to know all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We talk about numerous subjects beyond the game: films, reading, ideas, creativity. When we faced the Parisian club previously, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in the French nation is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be brief because the continental event takes over next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Bulls arrive at a week later.

“I’m not going to be overconfident sufficiently to {