Mark McCall to step down from Saracens after 15 seasons, Brendan Venter to rejoin as director of rugby from start of 2026/27 season
Updated 23/01/2026 at 12:19 GMT
Mark McCall will step down as Saracens director of rugby at the end of the season after 15 years at the helm, having won six Premiership titles and claimed three European crowns. Former boss Brendan Venter will return to lead the rugby programme from the start of the 2026/27 campaign, with McCall staying on as a technical adviser and board member.
Highlights: Radwan double helps Leicester power past Saracens
Video credit: TNT Sports
Mark McCall will step down from his role as Saracens director of rugby at the end of the season after 15 years at the club.
Brendan Venter, McCall’s predecessor as Saracens director of rugby, is set to return from the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
McCall, a former Ireland centre and Ulster head coach, joined Saracens in 2009 and became director of rugby two years later, with Venter shifting into the technical advisory position.
Under McCall, Saracens claimed the Gallagher Premiership on six occasions and were crowned European champions three times.
The 58-year-old said: "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."
Venter and McCall played with each other at London Irish, before Venter hired his former team-mate as a Saracens first-team coach back in 2009.
Venter insisted that McCall staying on was an important factor in his decision to take the role.
He said: "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 will work as a technical adviser for the club and join the board.
- All Blacks part ways with 'gutted' head coach Robertson
- 'It wasn't the truth' - Mann opens up on Etzebeth gouging incident
Dominic Silvester, director of Saracens, said: "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.
"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 the 2026-27 season onwards as technical adviser and around the boardroom table."
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
Advertisement
Advertisement