Brendan Venter calls Prem Rugby 'autocracy' as Saracens role row deepens

Brendan Venter called Prem Rugby an “autocracy” on Wednesday 7 October.

The Saracens coach finally faced reporters at the club’s training base in St Albans. He had skipped press engagements this season and that silence brought punishment from the league.

Prem Rugby, the body that runs England’s top men’s club division, fined Saracens over Venter’s refusal to perform media duties, according to Yahoo Sports. League rules require senior coaches to speak to broadcasters and newspapers before and after matches. Venter missed those slots.

His appearance was a long time coming. In February, Saracens announced Venter would replace Mark McCall as director of rugby this season, returning to a post he left 15 years earlier, according to Saracens. That is the job that usually oversees playing strategy, recruitment and the coaching team.

None of that matches his current title. Venter said Saracens does not have a director of rugby. Joe Shaw is head coach, the man leading training and picking the team, while Venter described himself as technical director and head of culture.

The wording has already changed twice. At one stage his title was listed as head of rugby culture and wine consultant, then changed again, according to The Guardian.

Venter said he wanted to keep a low profile. He wanted to help coach the team. He did not want to do interviews.

He showed no softening on that point. He compared the league’s stance to an autocracy, a system where one power gives orders and expects obedience. Saracens had asked for leeway. The league said no.

Then came the most Venter line of the afternoon. “Rugby is like winemaking. When you get arrogant, you will not make a great wine.”

For fans, this means confusion off the pitch rather than clarity on it. Saracens are due to start their 2026/27 Gallagher PREM campaign away to Leicester Tigers at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. Who leads them, and who speaks for them, is still not simple.