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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous location on the planet, but its rugby union team offers a great deal of excitement and passion.

In a city known for boot‑making, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ primary strategy. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the squad in the club's hues prefer to retain possession.

Even though embodying a distinctly UK community, they showcase a panache associated with the finest French exponents of attacking rugby.

Since Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and advanced far in the European competition – beaten by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and eliminated by the Irish province in a penultimate round before that.

They sit atop the Prem table after a series of victories and one tie and visit Bristol on Saturday as the sole undefeated team, seeking a maiden victory at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 premier fixtures for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester combined, always planned to be a trainer.

“When I played, I never seriously considered it,” he states. “But as you get older, you comprehend how much you enjoy the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing a trial period. You make the journey a few times, and it was tough – you realise what you have going for you.”

Conversations with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder led to a role at Northampton. Jump ahead several seasons and Dowson manages a team progressively filled with national team players: prominent figures were selected for the Red Rose versus the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while the fly-half, eventually, will inherit the No 10 jersey.

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

“It's a bit of both,” states Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who gave them opportunities, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a collective is definitely one of the factors they are so close-knit and so gifted.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, another predecessor at the club's home, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be mentored by highly engaging personalities,” he adds. “He had a big impact on my rugby life, my coaching, how I interact with others.”

Saints play appealing rugby, which became obvious in the instance of their new signing. The Gallic player was a member of the opposing team beaten in the European competition in April when Freeman notched a triple. He admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players moving to France.

“A mate rang me and remarked: ‘We've found a French 10 who’s seeking a side,’” Dowson recalls. “My response was: ‘We lack the funds for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the possibility to challenge himself,’ my mate told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to him and his communication was outstanding, he was well-spoken, he had a funny side.

“We asked: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He answered to be guided, to be pushed, to be in a new environment and beyond the Top 14. I was saying: ‘Join us, you’re a fantastic individual.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging Henry Pollock brings a particular energy. Does he know a player similar? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “All players are unique but he is unusual and remarkable in multiple respects. He’s fearless to be authentic.”

Pollock’s sensational score against Leinster last season illustrated his exceptional skill, but a few of his demonstrative during matches actions have resulted in claims of cockiness.

“He sometimes comes across as cocky in his conduct, but he’s far from it,” Dowson clarifies. “And Henry’s not joking around all the time. In terms of strategy he has contributions – he’s no fool. I believe sometimes it’s depicted that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and good fun within the team.”

Hardly any managers would claim to have having a bromance with a colleague, but that is how Dowson frames his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I possess an interest regarding various topics,” he notes. “We have a reading group. He desires to explore various elements, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the same.

“We converse on lots of things away from the sport: cinema, reading, concepts, creativity. When we played the Parisian club in the past season, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

A further fixture in France is looming: The Saints' return with the English competition will be temporary because the continental event intervenes shortly. The French side, in the shadow of the mountain range, are up first on Sunday week before the Pretoria-based club visit a week later.

“I refuse to be overconfident to the extent to {