Saracens coach leaves questions over Venter’s media duties to club

Venter did not speak to the media before, during or after Saracens’ opening-weekend victory at Leicester. BBC Sport understands that the club has already been given a £5,000 sanction because he missed Prem Rugby’s pre-season launch. [1]

The Daily Telegraph reported, in an account cited by BBC Sport, that Venter resigned as director of rugby last month and took a role described as “head of rugby culture and wine consultant”. It said head coach Joe Shaw had taken over media duties and that Saracens had sought permission for him to do so in July. Saracens and Prem Rugby have not confirmed those reported arrangements. [1]

Saracens announced Venter’s return as director of rugby in January and have not announced a change to his day-to-day responsibilities. BBC Sport reported that a change of job title was not thought to remove his contractual media obligations. [1]

Update

Saracens head coach Joe Shaw declined to say whether Brendan Venter would resume media duties, leaving questions about the director of rugby’s position to the club. Venter missed Wednesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Sale. [2]

Shaw’s response follows a Daily Telegraph report, cited by BBC Sport, that Venter had resigned as director of rugby and taken a new role. Neither Saracens nor Prem Rugby had confirmed the reported change as of Wednesday. [2]