TV3 has announced that former Ireland Rugby captain Keith Wood is to play a key role in its Rugby World Cup 2015 coverage.
Wood is the first panellist to be announced. He will join presenter Matt Cooper for live coverage of all 48 games in the tournament, which gets underway on 18th September 2015.
Ticket packages went on sale this week with news of success in any ballots that may be required expected in a few weeks. For those who do not get to travel TV3 will have a full HD service on terrestrial television as well as mobile and digital offerings in keeping with what is now expected of the broadcast of a major tournament.
“It’s very exciting to be part of the team,” said Wood.
“I got the chance to play at three World Cups but I haven’t ever had a chance to commentate on one. It’s great that a year out you can start to get all of your preparations in place, just like the team have to do.”
“TV3 haven’t done rugby for quite a while. We need to put a lot of effort in to make certain bits right on the day.”
News presenter Sinead Kissane will also be part of the broadcast team and TV3 Group Director of Broadcasting Niall Cogley says there is plenty more to come from the broadcaster.
“In the coming months we’ll have further announcements in relation to our coverage of the tournament and of course our plans to roll out HD in time for the event.”
