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Northampton may not be the most tropical spot on the planet, but its club delivers plenty of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for footwear manufacturing, you could anticipate boot work to be the Saints’ primary strategy. However under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold prefer to retain possession.

Although playing for a distinctly UK town, they display a flair typical of the best French masters of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the Premiership and progressed well in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in last season’s final and eliminated by the Irish province in a last-four clash previously.

They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, chasing a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 premier matches for various teams in total, always planned to be a manager.

“When I played, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you get older, you understand how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at a financial institution doing a trial period. You travel to work a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson leads a roster increasingly filled with national team players: key individuals lined up for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a profound impact off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, in time, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the development of this remarkable cohort due to the club's environment, or is it luck?

“It's a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had difficult periods. But the practice they had as a group is certainly one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, another predecessor at Franklin’s Gardens, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by really interesting individuals,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with others.”

The team play entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in last season when Freeman notched a three tries. The player was impressed sufficiently to buck the pattern of English talent moving to France.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘There’s a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We lack the funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Belleau and his English was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was like: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging the flanker offers a unique vitality. Has he coached anyone like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s unique but Henry is distinct and special in many ways. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

His spectacular try against Leinster previously showcased his unusual talent, but some of his expressive during matches actions have brought claims of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as arrogant in his conduct, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Furthermore Pollock is being serious constantly. Tactically he has input – he’s no fool. I feel sometimes it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and great to have within the team.”

Not many managers would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with his co-coach.

“We both have an interest around different things,” he notes. “We run a literary circle. He aims to discover various elements, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I feel like I’m the similar.

“We converse on lots of things away from rugby: films, books, thoughts, creativity. When we met the Parisian club previously, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

One more date in Gall is looming: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be brief because the Champions Cup intervenes next week. Their next opponents, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are up first on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to soon after.

“I’m not going to be arrogant sufficiently to {