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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous spot on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under leader Phil Dowson, the team in their distinctive colors opt to retain possession.

Even though representing a typically British community, they showcase a style associated with the finest Gallic masters of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and progressed well in the European competition – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and ousted by the Irish province in a semi-final before that.

They lead the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, seeking a initial success at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 top-flight games for various teams in total, always planned to be a coach.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you enjoy the sport, and what the everyday life looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing an internship. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with club legends resulted in a role at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a squad ever more filled with global stars: prominent figures started for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a significant influence as a substitute in the national team's perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this outstanding group because of the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It is a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a group is certainly one of the factors they are so tight and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by exceptionally insightful individuals,” he notes. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my coaching, how I deal with others.”

The team play attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was part of the French club defeated in the continental tournament in last season when the winger notched a hat-trick. Belleau admired the style sufficiently to go against the flow of English talent heading across the Channel.

“A friend rang me and said: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the chance to prove his worth,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We met with him and his communication was excellent, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be trained, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the young the flanker brings a particular energy. Has he coached anyone similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is unique but Henry is different and unique in many ways. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

Pollock’s sensational try against the Irish side in the past campaign showcased his exceptional skill, but some of his animated during matches actions have led to claims of cockiness.

“At times seems overconfident in his conduct, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “And he's not taking the piss all the time. Game-wise he has input – he’s a smart player. I feel on occasion it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have to have around.”

Few managers would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Vesty.

“Together possess an inquisitiveness about different things,” he explains. “We run a book club. He desires to explore various elements, seeks to understand all there is, wants to experience different things, and I think I’m the similar.

“We talk about many topics outside the sport: cinema, reading, concepts, art. When we played Stade [Français] in the past season, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

One more match in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s comeback with the domestic league will be short-lived because the continental event kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on matchday before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

“I won't be overconfident enough to {