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Northampton isn't exactly the most exotic spot in the world, but its squad delivers a great deal of thrills and drama.

In a city famous for footwear manufacturing, you might expect boot work to be the Saints’ main approach. However under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues choose to keep ball in hand.

Even though representing a typically British location, they showcase a panache synonymous with the best French exponents of attacking rugby.

After Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty took over in 2022, the Saints have claimed victory in the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – losing to Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and knocked out by the Irish province in a semi-final earlier.

They sit atop the competition ladder after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to Ashton Gate on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, chasing a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who played 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, had long intended to be a trainer.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “Yet as you get older, you understand how much you enjoy the rugby, and what the everyday life entails. I had a stint at a banking firm doing an internship. You travel to work a few times, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”

Talks with club legends resulted in a role at Northampton. Jump ahead eight years and Dowson guides a team progressively filled with global stars: prominent figures were selected for the Red Rose facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence off the bench in England’s successful series while the number ten, eventually, will take over the fly-half role.

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

“It is a bit of both,” states Dowson. “My thanks go to Chris Boyd, who gave them opportunities, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so tight and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “I’ve been fortunate to be guided by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “He had a significant influence on my professional journey, my training methods, how I manage individuals.”

Saints demonstrate attractive football, which proved literally true in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was part of the French club beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. The player liked what he saw sufficiently to buck the pattern of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A mate called me and said: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘We lack the money for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for experience, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my friend told me. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Belleau and his English was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be guided, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and away from the Top 14. I was thinking: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the young Henry Pollock offers a particular vitality. Has he coached a player comparable? “No,” Dowson answers. “Everyone’s unique but he is unusual and remarkable in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

His sensational try against the Irish side previously demonstrated his unusual talent, but various his demonstrative during matches antics have resulted in allegations of overconfidence.

“At times seems overconfident in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore he's not joking around all the time. Tactically he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I feel sometimes it’s depicted that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and good fun within the team.”

Few directors of rugby would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I have an interest about various topics,” he notes. “We maintain a literary circle. He aims to discover everything, wants to know everything, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the similar.

“We converse on many subjects beyond the sport: movies, reading, thoughts, culture. When we played our French rivals last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more fixture in France is coming up: Northampton’s reacquaintance with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event kicks in shortly. Pau, in the foothills of the mountain range, are up first on matchday before the South African team arrive at a week later.

“I refuse to be overconfident enough to {