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Northampton may not be the most exotic spot in the world, but its squad delivers plenty of excitement and passion.

In a town renowned for shoe production, you would think boot work to be the Saints’ modus operandi. But under leader Phil Dowson, the team in green, black and gold opt to retain possession.

Although embodying a typically British community, they showcase a panache typical of the finest Gallic practitioners of expansive play.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, Northampton have secured the English top flight and advanced far in the European competition – defeated by a French side in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash before that.

They currently top the Prem table after four wins and a draw and visit Bristol on matchday as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be typical to think Dowson, who played 262 premier matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, always planned to be a coach.

“When I played, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you age, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the real world is like. I had a stint at Metro Bank doing an internship. You make the journey a few times, and it was challenging – you realise what you have going for you.”

Talks with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a job at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson manages a roster increasingly crammed with internationals: key individuals lined up for the Red Rose against the New Zealand two weeks ago.

An emerging talent also had a major effect from the replacements in the national team's perfect autumn while the number ten, eventually, will assume the pivotal position.

Is the emergence of this outstanding cohort due to the Saints’ culture, or is it chance?

“This is a combination of the two,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge the former director of rugby, who basically just threw them in, and we had some tough days. But the practice they had as a collective is undoubtedly one of the factors they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions his predecessor, a former boss at their stadium, as a significant mentor. “It was my good fortune to be guided by highly engaging people,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my professional journey, my coaching, how I manage others.”

Northampton play entertaining football, which became obvious in the case of their new signing. The Frenchman was involved with the Clermont XV beaten in the Champions Cup in the spring when the winger notched a triple. Belleau was impressed to such an extent to buck the pattern of UK players moving to France.

“A friend called me and said: ‘We've found a Gallic number ten who’s looking for a club,’” Dowson explains. “My response was: ‘There's no funds for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for new challenges, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my contact told me. That intrigued us. We spoke to him and his English was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We asked: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be challenged, to be facing unfamiliar situations and outside the French league. I was saying: ‘Welcome aboard, you’re a legend of a man.’ And he has been. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging the flanker brings a specific vitality. Does he know anyone like him? “No,” Dowson answers. “Each person is original but Henry is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be himself.”

His sensational touchdown against Leinster last season demonstrated his freakish skill, but various his expressive in-game antics have resulted in accusations of overconfidence.

“At times comes across as cocky in his actions, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson clarifies. “Furthermore Henry’s being serious all the time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s not a clown. I think sometimes it’s shown that he’s just this idiot. But he’s clever and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any coaches would claim to have sharing a close bond with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“We both share an curiosity around various topics,” he explains. “We run a literary circle. He wants to see all aspects, wants to know each detail, desires to try varied activities, and I think I’m the same.

“We discuss numerous topics away from the game: movies, reading, thoughts, culture. When we met our French rivals previously, Notre-Dame was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another fixture in Gall is coming up: Northampton’s return with the Prem will be short-lived because the European tournament takes over next week. Pau, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the initial challenge on matchday before the South African team arrive at the following weekend.

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