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Northampton may not be the most tropical spot globally, but its squad provides an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a city renowned for boot‑making, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Although playing for a distinctly UK location, they showcase a style synonymous with the greatest Gallic practitioners of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the domestic league and advanced far in the continental tournament – defeated by a French side in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to their West Country rivals on the weekend as the sole undefeated team, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight matches for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a manager.

“During my career, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you enjoy the sport, and what the real world looks like. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing work experience. You travel to work a few times, and it was tough – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with former mentors culminated in a role at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson manages a roster progressively filled with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose facing the All Blacks two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while Fin Smith, in time, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the rise of this remarkable generation attributable to the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“It is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had difficult periods. But the experience they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he notes. “Mallinder had a major effect on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with people.”

Northampton execute entertaining rugby, which became obvious in the instance of Anthony Belleau. The import was a member of the Clermont XV overcome in the Champions Cup in last season when the winger scored a three tries. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to reverse the trend of British stars moving to France.

“A mate called me and remarked: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson recalls. “I said: ‘There's no money for a overseas star. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the opportunity to test himself,’ my friend said. That intrigued us. We met with Anthony and his communication was incredible, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We inquired: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be driven, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson says the young the flanker brings a unique vitality. Does he know an individual similar? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is different and unique in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against Leinster last season demonstrated his unusual skill, but some of his expressive on-field behavior have resulted in claims of arrogance.

“At times seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s not joking around constantly. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I think at times it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s intelligent and a positive influence within the team.”

Hardly any coaches would admit to sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Vesty.

“Sam and I share an interest regarding different things,” he notes. “We maintain a book club. He wants to see all aspects, aims to learn everything, desires to try different things, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We talk about many topics outside rugby: movies, literature, ideas, culture. When we met our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

One more match in France is looming: The Saints' return with the Prem will be temporary because the European tournament kicks in soon. Their next opponents, in the shadow of the border region, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team travel to soon after.

“I refuse to be arrogant to the extent to {