Virgin Media have announced the details of the opening weekend coverage of Rugby World Cup 2023, with four live games across Saturday and Sunday, and a return to the microphone at the World Cup for former RTÉ commentator and Head of Sport Ryle Nugent.
It all gets underway at 11:30am Saturday on Virgin Media One, with Italy facing Namibia, before Ireland enter the fray against Romania in Bordeaux (KO 2:30 pm Irish time).
Joe Molloy will be joined in studio by Rob Kearney, Matt Williams and Alun Wyn Jones for coverage of the games.
Wales legend Jones amassed 170 caps in a remarkable international career. Having played in four World Cups for his country, the Toulon lock swaps the scrum for the studio to offer his unique insights on Virgin Media Television for the first time.
Dave McIntyre and Alan Quinlan will be on commentary live from Bordeaux, with John Forrest and Ian McKinley calling the action for Italy-Namibia.
On Sunday, Ireland’s Pool B rivals South Africa and Scotland face off in Marseille (KO 4:45pm), before Wales hope to avoid an upset against dark horses Fiji (KO 8:00pm).
The double-header will be live on Virgin Media One from 4pm, with Joe Molloy alongside Rob Kearney, Andrew Trimble and Alun Wyn Jones in studio.
Ryle Nugent joins Virgin Media Television’s coverage to call South Africa-Scotland, and will be on commentary throughout the tournament. He will be joined by Ian McKinley.
John Forrest and Fiona Hayes will be on duty for Wales v Fiji.
The opening game of the tournament featuring France and New Zealand in Paris will be shown on RTÉ2 with coverage starting at 19:45 and the game at 20:15 on Friday.
RTÉ2 will also show the two later games on Saturday between Australia and Georgia at 5 PM and England against Argentina at 8 PM. They will conclude their half of the ten games to be played over the opening weekend with Japan against Chile on Sunday at 12 Noon.
