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This English town is hardly the most glamorous destination in the world, but its squad delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a place renowned for boot‑making, you could anticipate kicking to be the Northampton's primary strategy. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a distinctly UK town, they showcase a flair associated with the finest Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and progressed well in the Champions Cup – losing to a French side in the previous campaign's decider and knocked out by the Irish province in a last-four clash earlier.

They currently top the league standings after four wins and a draw and visit Ashton Gate on matchday as the just one without a loss, chasing a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, consistently aimed to be a trainer.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “Yet as you mature, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the everyday life is like. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing a trial period. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a position at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson guides a team progressively packed with national team players: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the national side against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the No 10 jersey.

Is the rise of this outstanding cohort because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“This is a bit of both,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be guided by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage people.”

Saints demonstrate entertaining rugby, which became obvious in the case of the French fly-half. The Frenchman was part of the opposing team defeated in the continental tournament in last season when the winger notched a three tries. He liked what he saw enough to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate rang me and stated: ‘We know of a fly-half from France who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no funds for a imported playmaker. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That interested me. We spoke to him and his communication was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old the flanker offers a unique energy. Has he coached anyone comparable? “Not really,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

The player's sensational score against their opponents last season showcased his exceptional ability, but a few of his expressive during matches actions have brought claims of overconfidence.

“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson says. “And Henry’s not joking around all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s no fool. I feel at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence in the squad.”

Few coaches would describe themselves as having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“Together share an inquisitiveness regarding different things,” he notes. “We maintain a book club. He aims to discover various elements, aims to learn each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the same.

“We talk about lots of things beyond rugby: films, books, ideas, art. When we played Stade [Français] in the past season, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more date in the French nation is coming up: The Saints' return with the English competition will be brief because the Champions Cup takes over shortly. Pau, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on the coming weekend before the South African team visit the following weekend.

“I won't be presumptuous to the extent to {