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This English town is hardly the most glamorous spot globally, but its rugby union team delivers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you would think boot work to be the Northampton's main approach. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to retain possession.

Although representing a distinctly UK town, they showcase a style associated with the greatest Gallic exponents of champagne rugby.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and progressed well in the Champions Cup – beaten by a French side in the ultimate match and knocked out by Leinster in a semi-final earlier.

They sit atop the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and head to their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a maiden victory at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight fixtures for various teams combined, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you mature, you understand how much you enjoy the game, and what the normal employment entails. I spent some time at Metro Bank doing work experience. You do the commute a few times, and it was difficult – you realise what you do and don’t have.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a role at the Saints. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson leads a team increasingly crammed with national team players: prominent figures lined up for England versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect off the bench in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will assume the fly-half role.

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

“It's a bit of both,” comments Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a group is certainly one of the factors they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at their stadium, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be coached by highly engaging people,” he notes. “Jim had a major effect on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with people.”

Northampton demonstrate attractive rugby, which proved literally true in the case of their new signing. The Frenchman was a member of the Clermont XV defeated in the European competition in last season when Tommy Freeman notched a hat-trick. Belleau was impressed sufficiently to go against the flow of British stars heading across the Channel.

“An associate called me and remarked: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a side,’” Dowson says. “I said: ‘We lack the funds for a French fly-half. Thomas Ramos will have to wait.’

‘He desires experience, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate said. That interested me. We met with Belleau and his communication was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and away from the French league. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson says the 20-year-old the flanker provides a particular energy. Has he encountered a player similar? “No,” Dowson responds. “Each person is original but Henry is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

His sensational touchdown against Leinster previously showcased his freakish skill, but some of his demonstrative during matches actions have resulted in accusations of overconfidence.

“At times seems arrogant in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson clarifies. “And he's not taking the piss constantly. In terms of strategy he has input – he’s a smart player. I think at times it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Not many directors of rugby would describe themselves as sharing a close bond with a assistant, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an curiosity regarding various topics,” he says. “We have a book club. He wants to see everything, aims to learn everything, aims to encounter varied activities, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We talk about many subjects away from the game: movies, books, concepts, creativity. When we met our French rivals last year, the landmark was under renovation, so we had a quick look.”

Another fixture in France is approaching: The Saints' reacquaintance with the English competition will be temporary because the Champions Cup intervenes soon. The French side, in the vicinity of the border region, are up first on matchday before the Pretoria-based club travel to soon after.

“I’m not going to be arrogant to the extent to {