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This English town isn't exactly the most tropical spot in the world, but its club delivers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a place known for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ main approach. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to retain possession.

Even though representing a quintessentially English location, they showcase a style synonymous with the best Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the European competition – losing to a French side in the ultimate match and ousted by Leinster in a penultimate round previously.

They lead the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 premier matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, had long intended to be a trainer.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “Yet as you mature, you realise how much you love the sport, and what the everyday life is like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing work experience. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a job at the Saints. Move forward several seasons and Dowson manages a squad increasingly filled with national team players: key individuals were selected for the Red Rose against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact off the bench in England’s successful series while the number ten, in time, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the development of this exceptional generation because of the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“This is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a group is certainly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he notes. “Jim had a major effect on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with others.”

The team execute entertaining the game, which became obvious in the case of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was involved with the opposing team beaten in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman notched a hat-trick. The player liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of British stars moving to France.

“A friend phoned me and stated: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s seeking a club,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We spoke to him and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be trained, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and away from the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock provides a unique energy. Does he know an individual comparable? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “All players are individual but he is unusual and remarkable in many ways. He’s fearless to be himself.”

Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against their opponents last season demonstrated his exceptional talent, but various his demonstrative during matches actions have led to claims of arrogance.

“At times seems cocky in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Plus Henry’s not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and good fun to have around.”

Few managers would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“Together possess an curiosity around different things,” he explains. “We maintain a reading group. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know everything, desires to try varied activities, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We talk about lots of subjects beyond rugby: movies, reading, thoughts, art. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in the French nation is approaching: Northampton’s return with the domestic league will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over shortly. Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are up first on matchday before the South African team travel to the following weekend.

“I won't be overconfident sufficiently to {