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Northampton isn't exactly the most tropical spot in the world, but its squad provides a great deal of romance and adventure.

In a place famous for shoe production, you could anticipate boot work to be the Northampton's main approach. But under leader Phil Dowson, the side in the club's hues opt to retain possession.

Despite embodying a distinctly UK location, they showcase a style associated with the greatest Gallic masters of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and gone deep in the Champions Cup – beaten by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and ousted by the Irish province in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 premier fixtures for various teams combined, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you mature, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You do the commute a few times, and it was challenging – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with former mentors led to a job at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson manages a squad increasingly packed with internationals: prominent figures started for the Red Rose facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s successful series while Fin Smith, eventually, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this outstanding group because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a major effect on my professional journey, my coaching, how I interact with others.”

Northampton play appealing the game, which proved literally true in the example of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was part of the opposing team beaten in the continental tournament in the spring when the winger registered a three tries. Belleau liked what he saw sufficiently to go against the flow of UK players heading across the Channel.

“An associate rang me and remarked: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘There's no funds for a overseas star. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my friend informed me. That caught my attention. We met with Belleau and his communication was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

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

Dowson states the emerging Pollock provides a specific vitality. Has he coached anyone comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s individual but he is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

The player's spectacular touchdown against Leinster previously demonstrated his exceptional talent, but various his demonstrative during matches behavior have resulted in accusations of arrogance.

“At times seems cocky in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “And Henry’s not joking around all the time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe sometimes it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s clever and great to have within the team.”

Few managers would admit to having a bromance with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Together possess an inquisitiveness regarding different things,” he notes. “We run a literary circle. He wants to see everything, wants to know everything, aims to encounter different things, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on lots of subjects beyond the sport: films, literature, ideas, creativity. When we faced the Parisian club previously, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

A further date in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' reacquaintance with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event intervenes next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club visit soon after.

“I won't be arrogant enough to {