Saracens clarify Brendan Venter role after ‘wine consultant’ claims

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Saracens have clarified Brendan Venter’s role as “head of culture and technical director” after claims that the South African had been appointed as a “wine consultant”.

Venter returned to the Gallagher Prem club in the summer, in effect replacing outgoing director of rugby Mark McCall having continued to consult with the club after being succeeded by the Northern Irishman in 2011.

The club had been fallen foul of league rules, though, after sending head coach Joe Shaw to the Prem’s pre-season media day and having him conduct press conference duties around their top-flight opener against Leicester.

A report in the Daily Telegraph claimed that Venter had stepped down as director of rugby as a result, wishing not to conduct media duties, but Saracens chief executive Ed Coetzee has now moved to detail the former South Africa international’s exact role.

“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,” Coetzee explained. “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.

“Joe Shaw has been Head Coach for the past six seasons and continues in that role.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), Joe Shaw will be responsible for conducting pre and post-match interviews.”

McCall remains involved at the club on a part-time basis after stepping away following 15 trophy-laden years at the end of last season.

Saracens continue their Prem campaign by hosting Sale on Sunday as they look to build on an opening win at Welford Road.