Sarries 'a rugby home for Boks'

Venter: a challenge

Related links

Teams

• Saracens

Also see

• Sky Sports experts
• Rugby on Sky
• Live scores

New Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter has told a South African newspaper that he wants to "create a rugby home for South Africans".

Saracens' squad was plunged into a state of uncertainty with the news that 15 of the 38 senior players were to be released at the end of the season, including former All Black Chris Jack and the club's longest serving player Kevin Sorrell.

It is believed that many of the released players will be replaced with Springboks as the South African owners pursue a policy of tapping into the potential South African fan-base in London.

Venter, however, told Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Sondag that he does not want to get into a slinging match over players in the media.

"I only took the work, as director of rugby because I see it as a challenge to create a team that will be supported by South Africans abroad," Venter told Sondag.

Young talent

"There is so much young South African rugby talent in England at the moment and I believe we can create a team which they can identify with and I hope to make Saracens that team."

Venter would not elaborate about Saracens' problems, but said the team needs a winning mentality right now.

"To do well you need a winning mentality and I think South Africans have that mentality," Venter added, "It won't be right for me to say what is wrong at Saracens. They are currently eighth in the league and have no trophies in their cabinet. I first want to get there and make my own decisions on which way to go."

Venter also ruled out any South Africans getting preferential treatment at the club.

"Each player will be chosen on his talents and not because he is a South African," Venter added.