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Northampton is hardly the most exotic destination on the planet, but its rugby union team delivers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a place famous for footwear manufacturing, you would think kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. Yet under the director of rugby Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to retain possession.

Despite playing for a quintessentially English location, they display a panache associated with the finest French practitioners of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty took over in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the Premiership and progressed well in the European competition – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by Leinster in a semi-final previously.

They lead the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Ashton Gate on matchday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 premier games for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a trainer.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he says. “But as you mature, you understand how much you love the game, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You do the commute a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Discussions with former mentors resulted in a position at the Saints. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson leads a roster progressively crammed with internationals: key individuals were selected for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect as a substitute in England’s successful series while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

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

“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I’d credit an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a group is undoubtedly one of the causes they are so united and so skilled.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by really interesting personalities,” he adds. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my professional journey, my coaching, how I deal with individuals.”

Saints play entertaining rugby, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The import was part of the opposing team overcome in the European competition in the spring when Tommy Freeman scored a three tries. He was impressed sufficiently to buck the pattern of British stars heading across the Channel.

“An associate phoned me and stated: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a side,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We lack the budget for a imported playmaker. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend told me. That interested me. We met with Anthony and his language skills was outstanding, he was articulate, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He said to be trained, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and beyond the Top 14. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old the flanker brings a unique enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone similar? “No,” Dowson answers. “All players are individual but he is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s not afraid to be authentic.”

His spectacular touchdown against their opponents previously showcased his unusual skill, but various his demonstrative on-field behavior have resulted in claims of cockiness.

“He sometimes appears overconfident in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Plus Pollock is being serious all the time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s just this idiot. But he’s bright and great to have to have around.”

Not many coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with his co-coach.

“We both have an inquisitiveness regarding different things,” he explains. “We run a literary circle. He desires to explore various elements, seeks to understand each detail, aims to encounter varied activities, and I think I’m the alike.

“We converse on many things beyond rugby: films, reading, concepts, art. When we played our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

One more date in Gall is looming: The Saints' return with the domestic league will be brief because the European tournament kicks in next week. Pau, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, are up first on Sunday week before the Bulls arrive at a week later.

“I won't be overconfident sufficiently to {