Saracens are set to receive a series of fines from Prem Rugby after director of rugby Brendan Venter failed to show up for media commitments. The club have already been handed a £5,000 sanction for Venter’s absence at the Prem’s pre-season launch day.
Venter did not speak to the media before, during or after the opening-weekend victory at Leicester. The Daily Telegraph reported earlier on Tuesday that Venter “resigned” as director of rugby last month and took up a new role of “head of rugby culture and wine consultant,” with head coach Joe Shaw assuming responsibility for media commitments. That report also claims Saracens asked permission in July for Shaw to front the club’s media commitments. Neither has been confirmed by the club nor Prem Rugby.
The Sanction So Far
Saracens could face more than one fine from Prem Rugby, with the £5,000 penalty believed to be the first in a series. The club has not confirmed any alteration to Venter’s daily duties, even though they announced in January that he would resume his role as director of rugby.
Mark McCall left the role at the close of last season after 15 trophy-laden years in charge, and Venter has now taken over as Sarries’ director of rugby for a second time. He first held the position in 2009, a period that saw him clash with authorities over media commitments.
Venter’s Media History
In September 2010, the club issued an apology to European Rugby Cup (ERC) officials for the absence of then-captain Steve Borthwick’s failure to attend the Heineken Cup launch at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. Borthwick, who is now England head coach, was the lone missing representative among the coaches and captains of 12 English, Welsh and Scottish clubs who attended the event.
Saracens had advised him to join a team bonding session at a beer festival in Munich instead.
European Rugby Cup officials cautioned Venter in December 2010 following a post-match interview after his team’s 24-21 Heineken Cup defeat to Racing Metro. During the conversation he stuck to brief replies, nodding along with every question put to him. Later on, he explained the approach had been influenced by a scene from the football mockumentary film, Mike Bassett: England Manager.
Midway through the 2010–11 season, Venter stepped down from his full-time position with Saracens, handing over to McCall.
What Hasn’t Been Confirmed
No confirmation has come from the club or Prem Rugby regarding the contents of the Telegraph report, which includes Venter’s resignation and his new title, along with the permission request he made. The club have not announced any alteration to Venter’s duties.
It is also believed that changing his job title would not stop Venter from carrying out his contractual duties.
Comparing Venter’s Two Spells
| Event | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Borthwick fails to attend Heineken Cup launch | Sept 2010 | Club apologises to ERC officials |
| Venter warned for post-match interview | Dec 2010 | Inspired by Mike Bassett: England Manager |
| Venter returns as director of rugby | Jan 2026 | McCall replaces Venter halfway through 2010–11 season |
| Venter absent from Prem launch day | Pre-season | £5,000 sanction handed |
The Open Question
The question of whether Saracens can afford to set the matter aside is a fair one, given that £5,000 has already been paid. The club has already handed over the money for Venter’s absence at the Prem’s pre-season launch day, and Prem Rugby is expected to hand out further penalties.
The director of rugby’s past dealings with reporters have always been dramatic, yet now there is an actual consequence at stake. Saracens must choose between keeping a leader who won’t speak to journalists — or paying whenever he does.
Source material: “Saracens face fines over 'wine consultant' Venter's media no-shows,” the BBC.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.