Mark McCall steps down at Saracens, replaced by former Springbok

⭐ Save us to your for nonstop RUCK content!

McCall, who has overseen an era of unprecedented success during his 15 years at the club, informed the squad of his decision on Friday following the captain’s run ahead of Saturday’s Prem fixture against Newcastle Red Bulls.

The Northern Irishman will remain at Saracens in a technical advisory role, working closely with Venter, who will formally assume the Director of Rugby position next season.

Venter originally brought McCall to the club in 2009 and laid the foundations for Saracens’ sustained success. He stepped down midway through the 2010–11 campaign due to family reasons and returned to South Africa, with McCall succeeding him and guiding the club to its first Premiership title that same season.

Having joined Saracens as an assistant coach in 2009 before taking charge of the first team in 2011, McCall is widely regarded as one of the greatest club coaches in the game. He holds the record for the most English championships won, with six Premiership titles, and also led the club to three Champions Cup victories.

As a player, McCall operated at inside centre and spent the majority of his career with Ulster. He earned 13 caps for Ireland, making his international debut against New Zealand on 30 May 1992.

Venter has remained involved with Saracens as a technical advisor, travelling to the UK several times each season. His return to the Director of Rugby role is viewed as reinforcing continuity as the club continues the rebuilding process initiated by McCall last year. Alongside his advisory work, Venter has coached in South Africa, most recently with the Stormers’ Currie Cup side, having previously held a similar role with the Sharks.

A member of South Africa’s 1995 World Cup-winning squad, Venter developed a strong relationship with McCall during their time together at London Irish in the 1990s, and McCall is expected to maintain close involvement with him going forward.

Despite remaining in contention for a Prem play-off spot, Saracens’ season has been marked by inconsistency, with below-par performances contributing to recent defeats against Glasgow Warriors in the Champions Cup and Leicester Tigers, leaving them sixth in the Prem table just after the halfway mark.