Mark McCall Advocates for a 12-Team Premier League Before Departing Saracens
Mark McCall, the departing director of rugby for Saracens, has shared his vision for the Gallagher Premiership, advocating for a minimum of 12 teams in the league and the inclusion of league games during international windows. McCall, who will step down at the end of the season after an impressive 15 years filled with trophies, might see his tenure conclude as early as Saturday when Saracens face Exeter at Sandy Park in a crucial match for the final playoff spot. Prem Rugby is planning to expand the league from 10 to 12 teams by the 2029-30 season, aiming for potential growth to as many as 20 teams in the future. McCall, the most successful coach in the league's history with six domestic titles and three European crowns, believes the current league structure results in too many gaps between games. He stated, "For me, there are not enough teams. There are too many gaps and too much time between games." McCall expressed his desire to see continuous action, even during international windows, to keep fans engaged. He noted the lengthy break between matches, highlighting that the team went from playing Newcastle in late January to mid-April without a home league game, which he deemed unacceptable. Additionally, he proposed: A weekly under-21 or under-23 competition to develop players. Keeping young talents within Saracens rather than sending them to lower leagues. As McCall prepares to transition to a technical advisor role, he will be succeeded by Brendan Venter in the 2026-27 season. Despite the challenges, McCall feels confident about his departure timing, stating, "I knew when my time was up. There’s a certain energy that you need to do this job... the team need the new energy they’re going to get from Brendan." Reflecting on his 17 years at Saracens, McCall acknowledged the camaraderie he will miss, emphasizing the importance of team spirit and loyalty within the coaching staff.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-06-03