Brendan Venter becomes Saracens 'wine consultant' amid fines
NEWS: Saracens have changed boss Brendan Venter’s job title to ‘head of rugby culture and wine consultant’ in a bid to ensure that the South African can avoid undertaking media duties.
In January, the Saracens confirmed Venter was returning for a second stint at the club to replace Mark McCall – who had been in charge for 15 years – as director of rugby.
As Director of Rugby, the job title still given to him on Saracens’ official website, the South African is honour bound by PREM Rugby regulations to speak to the press.
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However, Saracens say they asked the league’s organisers permission in July for head coach Joe Shaw to be their designated media person.
Shaw took Venter’s place at the pre-season content capture day at Allianz Stadium earlier this month and has continued to fulfil those obligations, speaking to TNT Sports during their coverage of the London club’s impressive 40-38 victory at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Sunday.
According to RugbyPass Venter’s no-show at Allianz Stadium resulted in the club being handed in a £5,000 fine, which is now believed to have grown to £8,000.
So, to circumnavigate any more trouble coming their way, The Telegraph reports that Saracens have informed PREM Rugby bosses of his new job title, which involves “culture, values and broader development of the playing and coaching environment”.
Venter, a fine wine lover, has never explained why he should be exempt from media duties, but his reluctance is thought to stem from his first spell at the club, where he was fined on several occasions for comments made to the media.
In 2010, after his team were beaten by French side Racing Metro in a European clash, the now 56-year-old gave an infamous interview to Sky Sports that lasted just 57 seconds.
He is keen to avoid a repeat of that scenario, but the wine expert’s new official position may yet only serve to cause Saracens further trouble.
Venter insists his media snub is nothing personal.
“I am anxious that the rugby journalists do not think I don’t like them and so I have asked our CEO Ed Coetzee to issue invitations to all the rugby journalists we are aware of and invite them to a wine-tasting at StoneX Stadium next month and I am happy to respond to any questions that they wish to ask me over a glass of wine,” he said.
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