Saracens shock: Mark McCall to step down as ex-Bok steps in

In shock news Saracens have confirmed that Mark McCall will step down as director of rugby at the end of the current season.

It brings to an end to a 15-year spell in the role for the 58-year-old Irishman and ends one of the most successful runs by any top dog at Gallagher PREM side in the modern era. McCall has, to date, been at the helm for 316 Saracens games, making him the secondest longest running DoR in the league behind Exeter Chiefs’ Rob Baxter.

McCall will remain at the club in a new capacity as a “technical adviser” and wull join Saracens’ board of directors, the club have stated.

Sarries have also announced that Brendan Venter will return in a full-time role and assume the position of DoR from the start of the 2026/27 season.

It will mark a return to the role he first held at Saracens in 2009.

“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,” said McCall. “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’s initial appointment as DoR saw him recruit McCall, his former centre partner at London Irish, as First Team Coach. The pair went on to establish the foundations of the most successful period in Saracens’ history.

When Venter stepped away from his full-time duties at the club in early 2011, McCall was promoted to DoR, with Venter moving into a part-time technical adviser role. The former Springbok has continued in that position for the past 15 years.

Venter said: “My association with Saracens has been continuous for more than seventeen years. I’m incredibly proud to once again lead the rugby programme. Mark’s continued involvement was key to me accepting the appointment.”

The statement from the north London club said: “This transition will take effect from the start of the 2026/27 season, ensuring stability, clarity and continuity for players, staff and supporters as Saracens begins its next chapter.”

Saracens CEO Dominic Silvester 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 and 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 2026/27 season onwards as Technical Adviser and around the boardroom table.”