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This English town is hardly the most glamorous spot globally, but its squad provides an abundance of romance and adventure.

In a town known for boot‑making, you could anticipate punting to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to run with the ball.

Although embodying a quintessentially English location, they showcase a panache typical of the greatest French exponents of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have secured the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – losing to a French side in last season’s final and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, aiming for a maiden victory at Bristol's home since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 elite matches for various teams altogether, always planned to be a trainer.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “Yet as you age, you understand how much you love the rugby, and what the everyday life looks like. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing work experience. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was difficult – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with former mentors culminated in a role at Northampton. Move forward several seasons and Dowson manages a team progressively packed with national team players: prominent figures started for England against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a profound impact as a substitute in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this remarkable generation due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by exceptionally insightful people,” he says. “Mallinder had a major effect on my rugby life, my management style, how I interact with people.”

The team demonstrate attractive rugby, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Frenchman was part of the French club defeated in the Champions Cup in last season when Tommy Freeman notched a three tries. The player liked what he saw to such an extent to reverse the trend of English talent moving to France.

“A friend rang me and said: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘We lack the money for a imported playmaker. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He desires a fresh start, for the opportunity to challenge himself,’ my friend informed me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Belleau and his English was incredible, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be driven, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the French league. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone like him? “No,” Dowson replies. “Each person is original but Henry is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s breathtaking touchdown against the Irish side last season showcased his unusual skill, but some of his expressive on-field behavior have brought accusations of overconfidence.

“At times seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Henry’s not taking the piss constantly. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe sometimes it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s intelligent and great to have to have around.”

Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“We both possess an curiosity around various topics,” he says. “We have a book club. He desires to explore everything, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter different things, and I feel like I’m the alike.

“We talk about many things beyond rugby: movies, reading, thoughts, culture. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

A further match in the French nation is looming: The Saints' return with the Prem will be temporary because the continental event takes over next week. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team travel to the following weekend.

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