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This English town may not be the most exotic spot in the world, but its rugby union team offers plenty of romance and adventure.

In a place renowned for boot‑making, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors choose to retain possession.

Although playing for a typically British town, they showcase a panache associated with the best French practitioners of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and gone deep in the European competition – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final previously.

They lead the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and travel to their West Country rivals on matchday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he states. “However as you age, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing an internship. You do the commute a few times, and it was tough – you grasp what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with club legends led to a position at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson manages a squad increasingly filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this exceptional generation because of the Saints’ culture, or is it fortune?

“It's a mix of each,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a unit is undoubtedly one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions Mallinder, a former boss at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be guided by highly engaging people,” he adds. “Mallinder had a major effect on my career, my coaching, how I interact with others.”

Northampton play entertaining the game, which became obvious in the case of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was involved with the French club overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when Freeman scored a three tries. He was impressed to such an extent to reverse the trend of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with Anthony and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the Top 14. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Does he know a player like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Each person is original but Henry is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be himself.”

His sensational try against Leinster last season demonstrated his freakish ability, but a few of his demonstrative in-game behavior have resulted in allegations of cockiness.

“On occasion appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Furthermore he's not taking the piss the whole time. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s no fool. I think sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and a positive influence within the team.”

Few directors of rugby would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with his co-coach.

“We both share an curiosity regarding diverse subjects,” he says. “We maintain a literary circle. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand all there is, wants to experience new experiences, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on numerous topics away from the game: films, literature, ideas, culture. When we played Stade [Français] in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

One more fixture in the French nation is looming: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be brief because the Champions Cup takes over next week. The French side, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the initial challenge on the coming weekend before the Pretoria-based club arrive at soon after.

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