Saracens' Brendan Venter compared Premiership Rugby's media obligations to "something from an autocratic land" after reluctantly appearing at a press conference. The 56-year-old returned to the club in the summer as director of rugby, but now holds the title of head of culture and technical director. His no-show at a pre-season media event cost Saracens a £5,000 fine.
Venter appeared alongside head coach Joe Shaw to preview Saturday's match against Bristol. He initially offered short answers before criticising the expectation to be the public face of the club. "I have the desire as a human being not to want to talk," he said. "It is not about me, it is about the team."
He added: "If we get obsessed, get into an argument and fine a club, that for me does not make sense. It sounds like something from an autocratic land, not a democracy where people have the right to say: 'This is what I want to do'." Venter's previous spell at Saracens was littered with controversy, including fines for comments about referees.
Premiership Rugby rules require the most senior coach to carry out routine media duties. Despite his reservations, Venter said he was tempted back by a love of coaching and the high-intensity dressing room environment. It is expected he will continue to face the media for the rest of the campaign.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing