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Northampton is hardly the most exotic location in the world, but its squad provides an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a place renowned for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Northampton's modus operandi. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Even though embodying a typically British town, they showcase a flair associated with the greatest Gallic exponents of expansive play.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash previously.

They currently top the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight matches for multiple clubs in total, had long intended to be a manager.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “Yet as you get older, you realise how much you love the game, and what the normal employment is like. I had a stint at a banking firm doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was difficult – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with former mentors resulted in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson leads a team increasingly filled with national team players: key individuals lined up for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, in time, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

Is the development of this remarkable cohort due to the team's ethos, or is it chance?

“This is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my career, my coaching, how I deal with others.”

The team execute entertaining football, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman registered a triple. He liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate phoned me and stated: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I replied: ‘We lack the budget for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my mate said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Anthony and his language skills was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be guided, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old Henry Pollock provides a specific energy. Does he know an individual similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Everyone’s original but Pollock is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

His spectacular score against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his exceptional talent, but some of his animated during matches behavior have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is not taking the piss the whole time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe sometimes it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and good fun in the squad.”

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

“We both have an inquisitiveness about different things,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, desires to try different things, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We converse on lots of subjects away from rugby: cinema, books, concepts, culture. When we faced Stade [Français] in the past season, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in France is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be temporary because the European tournament kicks in shortly. Pau, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the South African team visit a week later.

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