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This English town is hardly the most glamorous location in the world, but its rugby union team provides plenty of excitement and passion.

In a place renowned for footwear manufacturing, you might expect punting to be the Saints’ primary strategy. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the team in the club's hues choose to retain possession.

Despite playing for a typically British town, they showcase a flair typical of the finest French masters of champagne rugby.

From the time Dowson and his colleague Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, the Saints have secured the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by Bordeaux-Bègles in the ultimate match and eliminated by the Irish province in a penultimate round previously.

They currently top the league standings after multiple successes and a single stalemate and visit Ashton Gate on Saturday as the just one without a loss, chasing a initial success at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who participated in 262 top-flight matches for various teams altogether, consistently aimed to be a manager.

“During my career, I didn't really think about it,” he remarks. “But as you mature, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the everyday life looks like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing work experience. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was challenging – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with Dusty Hare and Jim Mallinder culminated in a job at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson manages a squad increasingly crammed with global stars: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles started for the Red Rose facing the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect off the bench in the national team's flawless campaign while Fin Smith, down the line, will take over the fly-half role.

Is the emergence of this remarkable group because of the Saints’ culture, or is it luck?

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the experience they had as a collective is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so gifted.”

Dowson also namechecks his predecessor, an earlier coach at Franklin’s Gardens, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be guided by exceptionally insightful people,” he notes. “Mallinder had a significant influence on my rugby life, my management style, how I manage people.”

Saints demonstrate entertaining football, which was clearly evident in the example of their new signing. The import was part of the Clermont XV beaten in the continental tournament in last season when the winger scored a triple. Belleau liked what he saw enough to reverse the trend of UK players moving to France.

“An associate rang me and remarked: ‘We've found a fly-half from France who’s looking for a team,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my contact said. That intrigued us. We had a conversation with Belleau and his language skills was incredible, he was articulate, he had a sense of humour.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be challenged, to be in a new environment and outside the French league. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he proved to be. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Dowson comments the 20-year-old Pollock offers a unique enthusiasm. Has he encountered anyone like him? “Not really,” Dowson responds. “Everyone’s individual but Pollock is distinct and special in numerous aspects. He’s fearless to be who he is.”

Pollock’s spectacular touchdown against the Irish side previously showcased his exceptional talent, but various his animated in-game behavior have brought claims of overconfidence.

“On occasion appears arrogant in his behavior, but he’s not,” Dowson asserts. “Plus he's not joking around all the time. Tactically he has input – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s portrayed that he’s merely a joker. But he’s bright and good fun within the team.”

Hardly any coaches would claim to have enjoying a tight friendship with a colleague, but that is how Dowson characterizes his connection with Sam Vesty.

“Sam and I have an inquisitiveness about various topics,” he says. “We run a literary circle. He aims to discover all aspects, seeks to understand all there is, desires to try varied activities, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We converse on lots of subjects beyond the game: films, books, concepts, creativity. When we played Stade [Français] last year, the landmark was undergoing restoration, so we had a quick look.”

Another fixture in France is approaching: The Saints' comeback with the Prem will be short-lived because the Champions Cup intervenes next week. Pau, in the shadow of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on the coming weekend before the Bulls travel to the following weekend.

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