CA Brive will have to find themselves a new boss. Saracens announced on Thursday the appointment of Eduard Coetzee as CEO. At 46, the South African administrator leaves the Corrèze after two seasons, without having managed to get the club out of Pro D2.

CA Brive will have to find themselves a new boss. Saracens announced on Thursday the appointment of Eduard Coetzee as CEO. At 46, the South African administrator leaves the Corrèze after two seasons, without having managed to get the club out of Pro D2.

From the Corrèze to north London

A former prop with Bayonne (2005-2007) and Biarritz (2007-2011), Coetzee joined Brive in 2024 after holding the same role at the Durban-based Sharks, the club where he was developed. His time in the Corrèze will be remembered for two failures in the promotion race, but his profile as an administrator convinced Saracens, who have been seeking renewal since their administrative relegation in 2020 for salary cap breaches.

A complete overhaul at Sarries

Coetzee’s arrival is part of a deep reorganisation at the club of Maro Itoje and Jamie George. Mark McCall, director of rugby since 2011 and the architect of the golden years (five English titles, three European Cups), is leaving his post. He is due to be replaced by Brendan Venter, a compatriot of Coetzee’s and a former club man.

Fifth in last season’s Premiership, Saracens will meet French opposition in the Champions Cup this season: they host Stade Rochelais on 12 December, then travel to Toulouse on 17 January 2027.