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This English town is hardly the most tropical spot globally, but its club offers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a town famous for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate boot work to be the Northampton's main approach. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though embodying a quintessentially English town, they showcase a style typical of the greatest French exponents of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round previously.

They currently top the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Bristol on Saturday as the just one without a loss, chasing a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight games for various teams altogether, had long intended to be a trainer.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you mature, you realise how much you love the rugby, and what the real world is like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was challenging – you see what you possess and lack.”

Talks with former mentors resulted in a job at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson guides a roster ever more crammed with internationals: prominent figures started for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the development of this remarkable generation because of the club's environment, or is it luck?

“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the exposure they had as a collective is certainly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a major effect on my career, my coaching, how I deal with people.”

The team execute appealing the game, which was clearly evident in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was involved with the Clermont XV overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when Tommy Freeman notched a triple. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to reverse the trend of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and remarked: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘There's no budget for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my contact informed me. That interested me. We had a conversation with Anthony and his English was excellent, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Pollock offers a particular enthusiasm. Has he coached anyone comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are unique but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

Pollock’s breathtaking score against their opponents in the past campaign illustrated his exceptional skill, but some of his expressive in-game actions have brought claims of cockiness.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And Pollock is not taking the piss all the time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I think on occasion it’s shown that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his relationship with his co-coach.

“Together have an inquisitiveness regarding various topics,” he explains. “We have a book club. He desires to explore all aspects, wants to know all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the similar.

“We talk about lots of subjects outside rugby: cinema, books, concepts, art. When we met the Parisian club last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in France is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the Prem will be short-lived because the continental event intervenes soon. The French side, in the foothills of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the Bulls visit a week later.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {