TV3 have launched their line-up for the 2018 Six Nations.
Having replaced RTÉ as the Irish broadcaster of the tournament, the rumoured fee of €10 million paid by the independent broadcaster signaled their intent.
While many will perhaps lament the loss of those familiar faces from the RTÉ panel, TV3 have made some very promising acquisitions of their own.
Shane Horgan, Matt Williams, Shane Jennings, Alan Quinlan and Ronan O'Gara will be part of the line up for the tournament.
Naturally, given the recent announcement of a new coaching role with Crusaders in New Zealand, O'Gara's contributions may be limited to the first two matches of the tournament only.
Speaking at the launch this morning, O'Gara detailed the scheduling difficulties he faces:
It's still something I'm trying to work out.
I'd given my word to TV3 so it's important I honour that. I've agreed with Crusaders a weekend or two off at a beginning of the pre-season.
While only the "weekend" off makes for a staggering amount of traveling for the former Munster man, his presence on the panel will be seen as a major coup for TV3.
Hosting the show is Newstalk's Joe Molloy.
BREAKING: TV3 announces presentation team and panel for its coverage of the NatWest Six Nations 2018. #TV3Rugby
Joe Molloy will anchor TV3’s coverage, with Ronan O’Gara, Shane Horgan, Shane Jennings and Matt Williams joining the TV3 panel.https://t.co/zQFux5H4J6 pic.twitter.com/JgW3IeIthV— Virgin Media Television (@VirginMedia_TV) December 8, 2017
TV3 have been garnering a lot of positive attention after the announcement of their choice - no small amount being reserved for the selection of Molloy particularly.
Newstalk's Joe Molloy will front TV3's Six Nations coverage. Excellent choice
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) December 8, 2017
Now this is an excellent choice by TV3 giving @MolloyJoe the anchor role for their #SixNations coverage. https://t.co/cn7FL69vU1
— Marty Cassells (@CassellsM) December 8, 2017
great news, aboy @MolloyJoe 🏉 https://t.co/jPo9DLiN7N
— Tommy Rooney (@TomasORuanaidh) December 8, 2017
@MolloyJoe great choice... looking forward to it 👊
— Laura Mulcahy (@Lauramul80) December 8, 2017
@MolloyJoe will anchor TV3’s Six Nations coverage in 2018. Good start anyway.
— Tony Leen (@tonyleen) December 8, 2017
Cracking line-up. Nice one @MolloyJoe @sineadkissane
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) December 8, 2017
In what will be an adjustment certainly from the usual RTÉ coverage, it is looking as if this attempt on TV3's behalf has gotten off to the best imaginable start.
