Saracens hold wine tasting with Brendan Venter as director

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 17:32 · Archive

Saracens director Brendan Venter, whose job title was changed to 'head of rugby culture and wine consultant', held a wine tasting event at the club.

Saracens director Brendan Venter held a wine tasting event at StoneX Stadium, with players including Owen Farrell, Ben Earl and George Martin and members of the media in attendance. The 56-year-old South African used the evening to discuss his favourite subject away from rugby, explaining that the object was 'to have an adventure and to hopefully have some of you fall in love with wine'.

Venter drew parallels between wine and rugby strategy. He compared Cabernet Sauvignon, the base of most Bordeaux wines, to the set-piece and defence of a team. Merlot, which he described as softer and more feminine, represented attack. Cabernet Franc symbolised kicking and getting the team into the right areas. He also referenced Petit Verdot and Malbec as 'the things that keep groups and teams together'.

Venter's job title was recently changed to 'head of rugby culture and wine consultant', a change the club and director have since embraced. The event appeared to be part of a broader charm offensive by Saracens, which has faced recent challenges including mixed results and media scrutiny.

How it is being reported

• An evening with Saracens' 'wine consultant' Brendan Venter: His regret over title-change saga, the club's sacking of the player involved in melee with England cricketers - and plans to replace Owen Farrell and CoALEX BYWATER: Brendan Venter, glass in hand, is holding court. Saracens' 'wine consultant' is undoubtedly in his element as he paces around the home changing room at StoneX Stadium.Daily Mail Sport · 21 Oct, 17:00
• No sour grapes: Venter on vintage form as he lays out Saracens visionHead of rugby culture and wine consultant wants people to see ‘the bigger picture’ as he rebuilds club to win the Prem Arm wrestling with Chas & Dave. Youth hostelling with Chris Eubank. Wine tasting with Brendan Venter. Two of those are among the suggestions made by a flailing Alan Partridge in the “smell my cheese” sketch, the other took place on a chilly Tuesday night in north London this week. No prizes for guessing which, given recent events, but 12 months ago it would not have been so easy. Things move fast in the Saracens world, however. When the invitation arrived, you could not help…The Guardian · 21 Oct, 17:00

In this story: Brendan Venter · Owen Farrell · Ben Earl · George Martin · Saracens · StoneX Stadium

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