Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall takes break due to 'medical reasons'

Saracens have announced that Mark McCall, the club's long-standing director of rugby, will be taking a short break from his role for medical reasons.

The news comes as a shock with McCall, 54, now set to step away from leading Saracens for a period of time.

"People will always come first at our club and Mark will be given all of the support and time he needs," read a club statement.

"Meanwhile we would ask that everyone respects Mark’s privacy. Mark is obviously more than confident in the coaching team he has worked with for many years to temporarily take the reins."

McCall has overseen Saracens' spell as a dominant force in the English and European club game since becoming director of rugby in 2010-11, with Saracens winning five Gallagher Premiership titles and three Champions Cup crowns.

He signed a contract extension with Saracens at the beginning of last year, running until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Saracens head coach Joe Shaw will take charge starting with the club's Gallagher Premiership fixture on Sunday against Wasps, supported by assistant coaches Kelly Brown, Ian Peel, Kevin Sorrell and Adam Powell.

A number of clubs including Sale Sharks, Northampton Saints, Newcastle Falcons, Glasgow Warriors and the Rugby Players' Association have already sent McCall their best wishes.

More to follow...

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