Since leaving Saracens in 2011, Venter, who won the Rugby World Cup as a player with South Africa in 1995, has had roles with Durban-based club side the Sharks, as well as Italy and South Africa.
Upon his return to north London, his job title changed, with him reportedly acting as the club’s wine consultant for a few days., external it appeared to be an attempt to avoid media obligations.
Prem Rugby rules require the most senior coach at each club to handle day-to-day media duties.
Their job titles may be different. Rob Baxter is Exeter’s director of rugby. George Skivington is Gloucester’s head coach. But as the principle decision maker for their teams, both answer questions every week.
In an interview with TNT Sport at the weekend, Venter claimed that the broadcaster, who pays £40m a season for activity and access to the Prem, is making team selection decisions by consensus rather than any individual having the final say.
Regardless, Venter is expected to continue to face the media for the rest of the campaign.
Despite his reservations, Venter added, he was drawn back by his love of training and the high-pressure locker room environment.
“I love coaching rugby. I love working with the players. It’s a privilege we have as human beings to be in a position where we can influence things, both good and bad,” he said.
“People rarely get this privilege in life.
“It’s a phenomenal game to be a part of and so when [Saracens owner] Dominic [Silvester] He asked me, I agreed to return.
“You make friends you never made in your life. When there are good times and bad times, it builds character. I’m privileged enough to do that on a daily basis.”
Venter failed to win any silverware in his first spell in charge of Saracens. His team lost the 2010 Premier League final to Leicester, with Venter banned as part of the match suspension.
However, he left behind a remarkably talented and close-knit squad that would go on to win numerous domestic and European awards under McCall over the next decade.
In behind-the-scenes footage of Venter’s performance against his team at the start of the season, he revealed his desire to challenge for the Prem title.
“I promise you, I don’t want to compete in this league. I want to excel,” he said.
“This is not a team with a ceiling, this is something special, I didn’t come this far to be average.”