In a bombshell move that's set to shake up the rugby world, Saracens have announced a major shift in their coaching hierarchy. At the close of this season, Mark McCall will relinquish his role as Director of Rugby, a position he has held with distinction for 15 years, steering the club to multiple victories in the PREM and Champions Cup. Stepping into his shoes is none other than former Springbok, Brendan Venter, a pivotal figure in the club's storied history.
During his tenure, McCall transformed Saracens into a formidable force, but all dynasties see a change, and 2026 will mark the beginning of a new era. While McCall will transition to a role as technical adviser and join the board of directors, it's his predecessor, Venter, who will take the reins. Venter, a former centre partner of McCall's at London Irish, initially brought McCall into the Saracens fold in 2009. Their collaboration laid the groundwork for one of the most successful periods in Saracens' history.
Venter, expressing his enthusiasm for his return, noted,
"My association with Saracens has been continuous for more than 17 years. I’m incredibly proud to once again lead the rugby programme. Mark’s continued involvement was key to me accepting the appointment."
McCall reflected on his time with similar fondness and optimism for the future:
"I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved at Saracens and grateful for the opportunity to have led the rugby programme for so long. I feel the time is right for change, while still remaining deeply involved in the club I care so much about. I’m really looking forward to supporting Brendan and contributing in a way that helps Saracens continue to move forward."
Dominic Silvester, a director at Saracens, lauded McCall’s profound impact and the seamless transition planned. "It is impossible to overstate the influence Mark provided to Saracens and for so long. Mark will be full on with Saracens until the end of this season and it is wonderful for all at Saracens that after he steps back from being director of rugby at the end of the current season, we will continue to benefit from his wisdom from 2026/27 season onwards as Technical Adviser and around the boardroom table."
As Saracens gear up for the upcoming season, they sit in a challenging sixth position in the PREM standings. After missing out on the playoffs last season for the first time since their relegation in 2019/20, the club is eager to return to its former glory under this new leadership dynamic.
2,193 posts
In a bombshell move that's set to shake up the rugby world, Saracens have announced a major shift in their coaching hierarchy. At the close of this season, Mark McCall will relinquish his role as Director of Rugby, a position he has held with distinction for 15 years, steering the club to multiple victories in the PREM and Champions Cup. Stepping into his shoes is none other than former Springbok, Brendan Venter, a pivotal figure in the club's storied history.
During his tenure, McCall transformed Saracens into a formidable force, but all dynasties see a change, and 2026 will mark the beginning of a new era. While McCall will transition to a role as technical adviser and join the board of directors, it's his predecessor, Venter, who will take the reins. Venter, a former centre partner of McCall's at London Irish, initially brought McCall into the Saracens fold in 2009. Their collaboration laid the groundwork for one of the most successful periods in Saracens' history.
Venter, expressing his enthusiasm for his return, noted,
"My association with Saracens has been continuous for more than 17 years. I’m incredibly proud to once again lead the rugby programme. Mark’s continued involvement was key to me accepting the appointment."
McCall reflected on his time with similar fondness and optimism for the future:
"I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved at Saracens and grateful for the opportunity to have led the rugby programme for so long. I feel the time is right for change, while still remaining deeply involved in the club I care so much about. I’m really looking forward to supporting Brendan and contributing in a way that helps Saracens continue to move forward."
Dominic Silvester, a director at Saracens, lauded McCall’s profound impact and the seamless transition planned. "It is impossible to overstate the influence Mark provided to Saracens and for so long. Mark will be full on with Saracens until the end of this season and it is wonderful for all at Saracens that after he steps back from being director of rugby at the end of the current season, we will continue to benefit from his wisdom from 2026/27 season onwards as Technical Adviser and around the boardroom table."
As Saracens gear up for the upcoming season, they sit in a challenging sixth position in the PREM standings. After missing out on the playoffs last season for the first time since their relegation in 2019/20, the club is eager to return to its former glory under this new leadership dynamic.