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This English town may not be the most tropical destination in the world, but its club delivers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a town known for shoe production, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues opt to keep ball in hand.

Although embodying a distinctly UK location, they exhibit a panache synonymous with the finest French practitioners of champagne rugby.

Since Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – losing to their Gallic opponents in the ultimate match and eliminated by Leinster in a penultimate round previously.

They currently top the league standings after four wins and a draw and head to Bristol on matchday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier fixtures for multiple clubs in total, had long intended to be a trainer.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “But as you mature, you comprehend how much you love the sport, and what the normal employment is like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a few times, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a job at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson leads a roster increasingly filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles were selected for the national side against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the number ten, down the line, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this exceptional group because of the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a unit is certainly one of the reasons they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by really interesting people,” he says. “Jim had a big impact on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage others.”

Northampton execute appealing rugby, which became obvious in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team defeated in the Champions Cup in the spring when the winger scored a triple. He was impressed sufficiently to buck the pattern of English talent moving to France.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his English was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and beyond the French league. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the 20-year-old Henry Pollock brings a specific enthusiasm. Does he know a player like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s original but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

His breathtaking try against their opponents last season illustrated his freakish skill, but various his expressive in-game antics have resulted in claims of cockiness.

“At times comes across as overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Pollock is not joking around all the time. Game-wise he has input – he’s not a clown. I feel on occasion it’s portrayed that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and great to have to have around.”

Few directors of rugby would describe themselves as enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Together have an curiosity regarding various topics,” he explains. “We have a book club. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I believe I’m the same.

“We discuss numerous subjects beyond the game: movies, books, thoughts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a little wander around.”

One more match in France is coming up: The Saints' return with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over shortly. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team travel to the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be presumptuous enough to {