Venter calls Prem Rugby media rules autocratic after reluctant appearance

Brendan Venter has called Prem Rugby's insistence on coaches facing the media "something from an autocratic land, not a democracy".

The 56-year-old Saracens boss finally sat down with reporters alongside head coach Joe Shaw to preview the club's league game against Bristol. It was a reluctant appearance after weeks of silence.

Venter returned to Saracens in a full-time role in the summer, initially as director of rugby. That is the person in overall charge of playing matters. His title has since been updated to head of culture and technical director, according to BBC Sport.

The row centres on access. Prem Rugby rules require the most senior coach at every club to carry out routine media duties. Saracens were fined £5,000 because Venter did not attend a pre-season media event.

The money behind that rule is large. TNT Sport pays £40m a season for live Prem Rugby action and access, which helps fund player wages and club operations.

Venter avoided questions before and after Saracens' opening-round win over Leicester. He also missed a second pre-match media conference, with Shaw sent in his place instead.

When he did speak, Venter was blunt. "I have the desire as a human being not to want to talk," he said. He added that it is about the team, not him.

Venter knows English rugby well. He won the Rugby World Cup as a player with South Africa in 1995. He then led Saracens for 16 months before leaving in 2011, and has now come back for a second spell.

That comeback has involved a title merry-go-round. Since rejoining, he has changed job title three times, with one earlier description listing him as a "wine consultant", according to The Telegraph.

What makes this stand out for supporters is the clash of views. Coaches often dislike press conferences. Leagues insist on them because broadcast deals pay the bills and fans want to hear from the people running their teams.