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Northampton is hardly the most exotic spot in the world, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a place famous for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold opt to run with the ball.

Although representing a typically British location, they showcase a panache typical of the best Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the European competition – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and eliminated by Leinster in a last-four clash earlier.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite games for various teams in total, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “Yet as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a position at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson leads a team progressively crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, eventually, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this remarkable group due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a group is certainly one of the reasons they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, a former boss at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by highly engaging individuals,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

Northampton execute entertaining the game, which proved literally true in the example of their new signing. The import was involved with the French club beaten in the European competition in the spring when Freeman registered a triple. He admired the style enough to go against the flow of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘There’s a fly-half from France who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We don’t have budget for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my friend informed me. That interested me. We spoke to Belleau and his communication was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be driven, to be in a new environment and away from the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker provides a particular vitality. Does he know an individual comparable? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Each person is unique but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

The player's spectacular touchdown against Leinster last season illustrated his freakish skill, but various his animated on-field actions have brought claims of cockiness.

“He sometimes seems overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's not taking the piss all the time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe at times it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”

Hardly any managers would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Vesty.

“We both possess an curiosity regarding different things,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He wants to see various elements, aims to learn each detail, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about many topics beyond rugby: movies, reading, concepts, creativity. When we faced our French rivals last year, the cathedral was being done up, so we had a quick look.”

Another date in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be brief because the Champions Cup kicks in soon. Pau, in the foothills of the border region, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team travel to soon after.

“I refuse to be presumptuous to the extent to {