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This English town isn't exactly the most tropical location on the planet, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a town renowned for footwear manufacturing, you would think punting to be the Saints’ modus operandi. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues choose to keep ball in hand.

Despite playing for a quintessentially English location, they exhibit a panache associated with the best Gallic masters of expansive play.

Since Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in last season’s final and ousted by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and travel to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the just one without a loss, aiming for a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight fixtures for multiple clubs altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“As a professional, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the game, and what the everyday life entails. I spent some time at a financial institution doing work experience. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with former mentors culminated in a role at the Saints. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson leads a roster progressively packed with national team players: prominent figures started for England facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the pivotal position.

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

“This is a combination of the two,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by highly engaging individuals,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my career, my management style, how I manage people.”

Saints play attractive the game, which was clearly evident in the case of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was part of the Clermont XV overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when the winger scored a triple. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to reverse the trend of British stars joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate phoned me and remarked: ‘We know of a French 10 who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We lack the money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to Anthony and his language skills was incredible, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and away from the French league. I was saying: ‘Come on in, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the emerging Pollock brings a unique enthusiasm. Has he coached an individual like him? “No,” Dowson replies. “All players are unique but he is different and unique in many ways. He’s fearless to be himself.”

The player's spectacular score against the Irish side last season illustrated his exceptional skill, but various his demonstrative during matches actions have brought accusations of overconfidence.

“On occasion comes across as cocky in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's being serious the whole time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s no fool. I think sometimes it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have to have around.”

Few directors of rugby would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an curiosity about diverse subjects,” he says. “We maintain a reading group. He desires to explore all aspects, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We converse on lots of topics beyond the game: cinema, books, concepts, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] previously, Notre-Dame was being done up, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another date in France is approaching: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the European tournament intervenes shortly. Pau, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to the following weekend.

“I refuse to be arrogant enough to {