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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous destination globally, but its rugby union team provides an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a city famous for shoe production, you might expect kicking to be the Saints’ main approach. But under head coach Phil Dowson, the squad in their distinctive colors prefer to run with the ball.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English location, they showcase a panache associated with the greatest Gallic practitioners of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and fellow coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the English top flight and advanced far in the continental tournament – beaten by a French side in last season’s final and eliminated by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round before that.

They lead the competition ladder after a series of victories and one tie and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the just one without a loss, seeking a initial success at Ashton Gate since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who played 262 premier matches for multiple clubs combined, had long intended to be a trainer.

“As a professional, I never seriously considered it,” he says. “However as you get older, you realise how much you enjoy the sport, and what the normal employment looks like. I worked briefly at a banking firm doing a trial period. You make the journey a several occasions, and it was tough – you grasp what you possess and lack.”

Discussions with former mentors culminated in a position at Northampton. Fast-forward several seasons and Dowson guides a roster increasingly filled with global stars: key individuals lined up for the national side facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a significant influence from the replacements in England’s perfect autumn while Fin Smith, down the line, will assume the No 10 jersey.

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

“It's a bit of both,” says Dowson. “I’d credit Chris Boyd, who thrust them into action, and we had challenging moments. But the exposure they had as a unit is certainly one of the factors they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also cites Mallinder, an earlier coach at the club's home, as a significant mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to be coached by exceptionally insightful personalities,” he says. “He had a major effect on my rugby life, my training methods, how I manage people.”

Saints demonstrate entertaining rugby, which proved literally true in the instance of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was a member of the French club defeated in the continental tournament in last season when Tommy Freeman registered a triple. Belleau admired the style to such an extent to reverse the trend of English talent joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend phoned me and said: ‘There’s a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a team,’” Dowson says. “I replied: ‘There's no money for a French fly-half. A different option will have to wait.’

‘He’s looking for a fresh start, for the chance to challenge himself,’ my friend said. That caught my attention. We spoke to Anthony and his language skills was excellent, he was well-spoken, he had a sense of humour.

“We inquired: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He responded to be coached, to be challenged, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the French league. I was like: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re blessed to have him.”

Dowson states the young Pollock provides a specific energy. Has he coached a player comparable? “Never,” Dowson responds. “Each person is individual but he is different and unique in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be who he is.”

His breathtaking touchdown against Leinster in the past campaign demonstrated his unusual talent, but some of his demonstrative in-game behavior have led to accusations of arrogance.

“On occasion seems arrogant in his actions, but he’s far from it,” Dowson asserts. “Plus Henry’s not joking around all the time. Tactically he has contributions – he’s a smart player. I believe at times it’s shown that he’s only a character. But he’s bright and a positive influence to have around.”

Hardly any managers would admit to having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his connection with his co-coach.

“Sam and I have an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he says. “We have a book club. He wants to see everything, aims to learn everything, desires to try varied activities, and I believe I’m the same.

“We talk about many topics beyond rugby: films, books, ideas, creativity. When we faced Stade [Français] last year, Notre-Dame was under renovation, so we had a brief exploration.”

Another date in France is approaching: The Saints' return with the English competition will be short-lived because the European tournament takes over shortly. Pau, in the foothills of the mountain range, are the opening fixture on matchday before the Pretoria-based club arrive at the following weekend.

“I’m not going to be arrogant sufficiently to {