Compulsory media duties like something in an autocracy - Venter
Summary
Brendan Venter, who recently returned to Saracens rugby club in a senior coaching role, spoke out against the requirement for coaches to do regular media interviews. He said these media duties felt like rules from a strict government and preferred to focus quietly on coaching the team instead of giving interviews.Key Facts
- Brendan Venter returned to Saracens rugby club in the summer of 2026 with a role including head of culture and technical director.
- He was fined £5,000 for missing a pre-season media event and had avoided many questions after the season started.
- Venter criticized the obligation for senior coaches to speak regularly to the media, calling it similar to an autocratic system.
- Despite his complaints, he appeared at a press conference with head coach Joe Shaw before a game against Bristol.
- Venter said team decisions are made by agreement among staff, not by one individual alone.
- His previous time at Saracens involved controversies, including public criticisms of referees.
- Rugby rules require the most senior coach at each club to handle weekly media duties.
- Venter said he returned to coaching because he loves the sport and the team environment, even if he prefers a low media profile.
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