Saracens move to ‘clarify’ Brendan Venter role quickly after ‘wine consultant’ reports
Brendan Venter returned to Saracens this off-season, but has now shifted roles
Saracens have confirmed Brendan Venter’s role at the club is ‘best defined as’ head of culture and technical director, following recent media reports.
Earlier this week, the Telegraph reported Venter’s role had shifted from director of rugby to ‘head of rugby culture and wine consultant’, however, the club have moved quickly to dismiss the latter part of that title.
Venter returned to Saracens this off-season, following the exit of long-standing director of rugby Mark McCall.
‘His work on the culture, standards and development is integral across the entire organisation’
In a statement, Saracens CEO Ed Coetzee said: “Given recent media commentary, I would like to clarify Brendan Venter’s position at Saracens.
“Brendan agreed to rejoin the club at the start of this season, with his principal role being to reset the culture at both the training ground and StoneX Stadium, giving equal importance to each.
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“His work on the culture, standards and development is integral across the entire organisation.
“Brendan’s role is best defined as Head of Culture and Technical Director, and with immediate effect, this will be his title. Nothing changes from the role he has played all season, with his influence spanning the entire club.
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“Joe Shaw has been Head Coach for the past six seasons and continues in that role.
The shift in title from director of rugby came after the club had received a reported £5000 fine after Venter failed to fulfil media duties, including the PREM’s ‘content day’ last month.
And now, Coetzee has confirmed he will fulfil ‘significant media duties’, but head coach Shaw will conduct interviews pre and post-match interviews with the press.
“In light of the above, I can confirm that while Brendan will still have significant media duties to fulfil (including, for example, an interview with TNT this Sunday, 4 October),” he continued. “Joe Shaw will be responsible for conducting pre- and post-match interviews.”
Saracens return to the field this weekend, taking on Sale Sharks at the StoneX Stadium on Sunday.
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