Brendan Venter’s role at Saracens has been redefined as “head of rugby culture and wine consultant” in a strategic move to shift him away from media responsibilities as he resumes his Premiership duties. The South African coach, 56, has notably avoided pre-season and post-match media engagements, leading to fines for the club and placing greater communication duties on head coach Joe Shaw.
Saracens were fined £5,000 after Venter failed to attend the Premiership’s pre-season content capture day and received a further suspended £500 penalty for not previewing their opening fixture against Leicester Tigers. Shaw handled all media relations surrounding Saracens’ narrow 40-38 victory last weekend at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, a role the club has requested he continue to perform. Venter reportedly prefers to maintain a low profile, particularly when the atmosphere around matches intensifies.
In an effort to clarify his new responsibilities, Venter — who combines a passion for rugby with an interest in wine — has asked Saracens CEO Ed Coetzee to invite rugby journalists to a wine-tasting event at StoneX Stadium. “I am happy to respond to any questions that they wish to ask me over a glass of wine,” Venter said, indicating his willingness to engage with the media in a less conventional setting.
However, it remains uncertain whether the change in job title will formally exempt him from media duties, as league regulations do not always align with internal club designations. Comparisons have been drawn to other Premiership coaches like Johann van Graan of Bath, who carries the title “head of rugby” yet continues to lead media interactions. Saracens appear to be positioning Venter more as a technical consultant, similar to Chris Boyd’s role at Gloucester, with Shaw acting as the primary public face of the coaching team.
Saracens are set to face Sale Sharks in round two at StoneX Stadium. Sale’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, is among the familiar figures returning to the venue. Sanderson, who was part of the coaching team established by Venter during his first tenure at Saracens, spoke highly of the coach’s influence. “I idolise Brendan, to a degree,” Sanderson said, acknowledging the lasting impact of Venter’s philosophies on his own approach.
Despite significant defeats to Saracens last season — including scores of 65-14 and 85-19 — Sale’s director remains optimistic about his squad’s resilience ahead of their upcoming encounter. “Games like that leave a scar,” he reflected. “I’m not waking up thinking about them in the extreme sense of PTSD, though, I have had that through losing finals, but not about this.”