Former Springbok Brendan Venter Becomes Saracens ‘Wine Consultant’ After Media Dispute

• Brendan Venter has taken on a surprising new role at Saracens after a dispute over media duties created an unexpected twist
• The former Springbok’s relationship with the rugby media has taken another turn, with Saracens now giving him a very different responsibility
• Venter’s latest move at Saracens comes after fines linked to media commitments and has resulted in an unusual new title for the former Springbok centre

Former Springbok Brendan Venter’s latest chapter at Saracens has taken an unexpected turn, and it has little to do with what happens on the rugby field. The 56-year-old has been handed a striking new job title following a dispute over the club’s media obligations, with Saracens informing Premiership Rugby that Venter is now their “head of rugby culture and wine consultant”.

The unusual development follows Venter's step-down as director of rugby last month and fines linked to missed media commitments. While his new role will see him remain involved in Saracens’ rugby environment, his responsibilities will now extend into a rather different area — including wine.

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According to The Telegraph, Saracens have informed Premiership Rugby that the 56-year-old is now their “head of rugby culture and wine consultant”. Venter returned as director of rugby at the start of the 2026/27 season but stepped down last month.

The change follows a £5,000 fine, approximately R113,000, after Venter missed a pre-season media event. Saracens also received a suspended £500 sanction, worth about R11,300, after he missed another media session before their opening-round victory over Leicester Tigers.

Saracens change media responsibilities

Premiership Rugby regulations require clubs’ rugby leaders to participate in scheduled media activities, including midweek sessions and match-day interviews. Saracens are disputing the original fine and have placed head coach Joe Shaw in charge of the required media commitments.

Venter’s revised position will instead focus on the club’s “culture, values and broader development of the playing and coaching environment”.

The club originally announced in January 2026 that Venter would return as director of rugby after Mark McCall’s departure. Venter had previously worked with Saracens for many years as a technical adviser.

Venter offers wine-tasting solution

Venter’s relationship with the media has previously attracted attention. During his first spell at Saracens, he received disciplinary sanctions over comments made after matches.

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He has now suggested a rather different way of interacting with rugby journalists.

“I am anxious that the rugby journalists do not think I don’t like them,” Venter told The Telegraph.

He said he had asked Saracens chief executive Ed Coetzee to invite journalists to a wine tasting at StoneX Stadium.

“I am happy to respond to any questions that they wish to ask me over a glass of wine,” he added.

Venter’s wine expertise is already being used for hospitality at the club, with a tasting event also planned for next month.

The development gives the former Springbok a distinctly different role at Saracens while Joe Shaw takes the lead on media duties.

Eduard Coetzee’s Saracens connection

Briefly News previously reported that former Sharks boss Eduard Coetzee had been appointed CEO of Saracens ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Coetzee joined the English giants after serving as chief executive of French club CA Brive and previously spending more than a decade in senior management at the Sharks. His appointment placed another prominent South African rugby administrator at the heart of Saracens’ leadership.

Source: Briefly News