WalesonlineOct 1, 2026 ~7 min source read

Sam Costelow returns for Scarlets derby; Saracens director skips media amid fresh questions

Scarlets get a boost as Sam Costelow is cleared for the derby with the Dragons while new signing Corey Domachowski faces an eight-week layoff. At Saracens, Brendan Venter’s absence from media duties has attracted fines and fresh speculation. Bristol Bears introduce NFL-style post-match access.

Wales star returns for derby and English rugby boss sparks fresh controversy

Read original More from Walesonline

Share this story

Send the public story page.

Useful takeaways from this story.

Sam Costelow is fit and available for the Scarlets’ Welsh derby, strengthening competition at fly-half alongside Gareth Anscombe and youngster Caryn Leggatt-Jones.

Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter missed multiple media duties, prompting at least a £5,000 fine and reports about a role change that the club has not confirmed.

Costelow missed the Scarlets' 21-15 loss to Cardiff but is now available. Davies described Costelow as entering his peak years and noted increased competition at 10 with Gareth Anscombe and Caryn Leggatt-Jones also in the picture. Dan Davis and Johnny Williams are also available for selection.

Having Costelow back gives the Scarlets an experienced playmaker who Davies believes has matured over recent seasons. The coaching group can choose between the experience of Anscombe, the developing Costelow, and the high-skill prospect Caryn Leggatt-Jones. The absence of Domachowski reduces front-row depth but Mathias provides cover.

Brendan Venter, listed as Saracens' director of rugby, missed several media commitments: the Premiership pre-season launch, media duties around Saracens' opening-week victory at Leicester, and a pre-match press conference ahead of a game with Sale. Saracens have been fined £5,000 after Venter failed to attend the pre-season launch. Head coach Joe Shaw declined to discuss Venter's media responsibilities at the latest press conference, saying he would "just talk about the rugby."

Venter had "resigned" as director of rugby and moved into a role described as "head of rugby culture and wine consultant," but neither Saracens nor Premiership Rugby have confirmed that change. It is reported that a change in job title would not necessarily remove contractual media duties.

Bristol Bears adopt NFL-style post-match access

Bristol Bears will introduce a mixed zone at Ashton Gate to allow journalists and broadcasters immediate access to the full squad and coaching staff after home games. The move mirrors NFL practice and aims to give media access while reactions are fresh.

Louis Rees-Zammit, who spent time in the NFL before returning to rugby with Bristol, is cited as familiar with the system. Bristol's head of communications, Will Carpenter, said the objective is to grow the game and give the media more opportunities to connect with players and stories.

Scarlets: Costelow available, Domachowski out ~8 weeks, depth improving over coming weeks.
Saracens: Venter's media absences have led to fines and unresolved questions about his role.
Bristol: New mixed zone offers immediate post-match access to players and coaches, following NFL practice.