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This English town isn't exactly the most exotic spot globally, but its club delivers an abundance of thrills and drama.

In a town known for boot‑making, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ modus operandi. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors opt to keep ball in hand.

Despite representing a distinctly UK location, they showcase a panache synonymous with the greatest French practitioners of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and eliminated by the Irish province in a last-four clash earlier.

They currently top the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and head to Ashton Gate on matchday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 elite games for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester in total, consistently aimed to be a coach.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he says. “However as you mature, you comprehend how much you appreciate the rugby, and what the normal employment entails. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You do the commute a several occasions, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with club legends resulted in a role at the Saints. Jump ahead a decade and Dowson manages a squad ever more filled with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for the Red Rose facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will assume the No 10 jersey.

Is the emergence of this exceptional group because of the team's ethos, or is it luck?

“This is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “My thanks go to an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a key figure. “I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by exceptionally insightful people,” he adds. “Mallinder had a big impact on my professional journey, my training methods, how I manage others.”

The team execute attractive football, which became obvious in the example of their new signing. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team overcome in the European competition in April when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. He admired the style to such an extent to reverse the trend of British stars heading across the Channel.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants experience, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Belleau and his language skills was excellent, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What are you seeking from this?’ He answered to be trained, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Pollock brings a particular enthusiasm. Has he encountered a player comparable? “Never,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s unique but he is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

Pollock’s spectacular try against their opponents last season illustrated his freakish talent, but some of his animated in-game antics have resulted in claims of overconfidence.

“He sometimes appears arrogant in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Pollock is not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I believe on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and good fun within the team.”

Not many coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with his co-coach.

“Sam and I share an curiosity about various topics,” he notes. “We have a book club. He aims to discover everything, seeks to understand everything, aims to encounter different things, and I think I’m the alike.

“We discuss lots of topics outside rugby: films, literature, thoughts, culture. When we faced Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

Another fixture in the French nation is looming: Northampton’s comeback with the Prem will be temporary because the Champions Cup takes over next week. Pau, in the vicinity of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the South African team arrive at a week later.

“I refuse to be overconfident sufficiently to {