World Cup: TV3 have announced an impressive array of former Irish internationals as part of their punditry team for the Rugby World Cup in France.
Presenter Matt Cooper will be joined in studio by Paul Wallace, Trevor Brennan, Victor Costello and Jim Glennon. The Leinster coach Michael Cheika and the former Australian international Jim Williams have also been signed up.
Cooper admitted it was a "forward-heavy" panel but added several backline experts would be added in the coming weeks.
Conor McNamara will be in the commentary box alongside the former Irish captain Phillip Matthews for live coverage of 10 games, including Ireland's four pool matches, two quarter-finals, both semi-finals and the final, on October 20th.
TV3's reporters Sinead Kissane and Laura Ryan will be with the Ireland squad throughout their involvement in France, and possibly Cardiff.
Coverage begins with the competition opener between hosts France and Argentina at Stade de France on Friday, September 7th, kick-off 8pm.
Setanta Sports procured the exclusive tournament rights in Ireland but provided TV3 with the terrestrial rights ahead of RTÉ, who also lost the radio contract to Newstalk.
TV3 will show a number of rugby programmes starting on August 9th with All Blacks: Behind the Legend along with a weekly magazine show from September 13th to October 18th.
TV3 also announced the drinks firm Heineken would be their exclusive broadcast sponsor.
David McRedmond, TV3's CEO, said, "As the national broadcaster of the Rugby World Cup, TV3 will provide the best Irish coverage ever for this rugby tournament.
"We have secured a world-class commentary team and panel to have the broadest appeal for the widening rugby fan base.
"We are delighted to have Heineken as a brilliant sponsor."
TV3'S LIVE MATCH DATES: France v Argentina, Friday, September 7th, 8pm; Ireland v Namibia, Sunday, September 9th, 7pm; Ireland v Georgia, Saturday, September 15th, 8pm; France v Ireland, Friday, September 21st, 8pm; Ireland v Argentina, Sunday, September 30th, 4pm. Quarter-final 1, Saturday, October 6th, TBC. Quarter-final 2, Sunday, October 7th, TBC. Semi-final 1, Saturday, October 13th, 8pm. Semi-final 2, Sunday, October 14th, 8pm. Final, Saturday, October 20th, 8pm.
