Saracens face fines after Brendan Venter misses media duties amid 'wine consultant' role report

Saracens face a string of fines from Prem Rugby after director of rugby Brendan Venter failed to fulfil media commitments at the Prem's pre-season launch day and around the opening-weekend victory at Leicester, following his return to the club this summer.

It is understood the club have already been handed a £5,000 sanction after Venter was not present at the Prem's pre-season launch day, and he did not speak to the media before, during or after the opening-weekend win at Leicester. The Daily Telegraph reported that Venter had "resigned" as director of rugby last month and taken a new role as "head of rugby culture and wine consultant", with head coach Joe Shaw assuming responsibility for media commitments. The report also claims Saracens sought permission in July for Shaw to front the club's media duties, but neither the club nor Prem Rugby has confirmed those details, and it is thought a change of job title would not preclude Venter from his contractual responsibilities.

Saracens announced in January that Venter would be returning to the club as director of rugby; he succeeded Mark McCall, who stepped down at the end of last season after 15 trophy-laden years in the job. That appointment followed Venter's previous spell with the club, which began in 2009 and included earlier disputes over media obligations.

In September 2010 Saracens apologised to European Rugby Cup (ERC) officials after then-captain Steve Borthwick failed to attend the Heineken Cup launch at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, with the club telling Borthwick to attend a team bonding session at a beer festival in Munich instead. Borthwick was the only missing representative from the coaches and captains of 12 English, Welsh and Scottish clubs attending the event.

In December 2010 Venter was warned by European Rugby Cup officials following a post-match interview after his side's 24-21 Heineken Cup loss to Racing Metro, during which he repeatedly gave short answers and agreed with whatever was being asked; he later said it was inspired by a scene in the film Mike Bassett: England Manager. Venter left his full-time role at Saracens halfway through the 2010–11 season and was replaced by McCall.

Saracens have yet to confirm any change to Venter's day-to-day responsibilities at the club.