Former Australia coach Eddie Jones will stand down as director of rugby at Saracens at the end of the season after just one year of a planned three-season stay, the English Premiership club said.

Jones, who will be replaced by former South Africa centre Brendan Venter from July 1, told the club's website that the reason for cutting short his stay was personal.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to leave Saracens at the end of the current season. My reasons are entirely personal.

"My wife and daughter have always given me unqualified support but it is now time for me to put the family needs first.

"I have greatly enjoyed my time with Saracens extending back to 2006 and I wish the directors, staff and players well in the future.

"Naturally I remain 100 percent committed to the Saracens cause and eagerly look forward to building on the progress we have made this season and ensuring we challenge for a top-four finish in the Premiership and maintain our strong momentum in the European Challenge Cup."

Jones, Australia's coach when they lost the 2003 World Cup final to England in Sydney, had a brief spell as a consultant to Saracens in 2006.

This though was his first year as director of rugby at the English club after acting as an advisor to South Africa coach Jake White during the Springboks' 2007 World Cup winning campaign.

Venter, the defence coach at South African Super 14 side the Stormers, knows English rugby well from his time as coach of Saracens's Premiership rivals London Irish.

Saracens owner Nigel Wray said: "Brendan has an outstanding knowledge of the Premiership, following his success as coach at London Irish, and he has become well known and well respected at Saracens during the course of this season, after being introduced and recommended by Eddie as a specialist coach. We warmly welcome him to the club on a full-time basis."

Wray, who has pumped millions of pounds of his own money into Saracens, added: "Obviously we are all very disappointed to lose Eddie, but we are very grateful for all his hard work, inspiration and the terrific structural changes he has made at the club, which will hold us in great stead for the future.

"I know that we will all remain friends and keep in close contact."

Saracens are currently in seventh position in the 12-team Premiership.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP