Saracens boss: Media fines 'from autocratic land'

Saracens technical director Brendan Venter has criticised Gallagher Premiership Rugby's decision to fine Saracens £5,000 after he refused to attend a pre-season media day at Twickenham, calling it 'something from an autocratic land.' The 56-year-old, who returned to Saracens this summer as successor to Mark McCall, says media duties previously 'stole' his 'joy' during his earlier stint at the club. Venter's role as technical director and head of culture means head coach Joe Shaw is expected to handle the majority of press commitments.