RTÉ and Virgin Media have revealed their punditry line-ups for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, which begins on September 8.
Both line-ups have an experienced mix of recently retired pros from both the men's and women's game, alongside a few older heads such as Bernard Jackman, Donal Lenihan, and Matt Williams.
Joe Molloy and Jacqui Hurley will be presenting on Virgin and RTÉ, respectively.
Neither studio have sprung any major surprises, although viewers may be disappointed to see that knowledgable figure of Shane Horgan will not be working for Virgin during the tournament.
RTÉ Rugby World Cup punditry line-up:
Jamie Heaslip, Simon Zebo, Jerry Flannery, Stephen Ferris, Fiona Coghlan, Bernard Jackman, Hannah Tyrrell, Donal Lenihan and Darren Cave.
Virgin Media line-up:
Rob Kearney, Matt Williams, Andrew Trimble, Fiona Hayes, Grace Davitt, Eimear Considine and Ian Madigan.
RTÉ And Virgin Announce Rugby World Cup Punditry Line-Up
7 April 2023; RTE analyst Bernard Jackman during the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final match between Leinster and Leicester Tigers at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Ex-England Out-Half Tears Into The Team And Their Brand Of Rugby
“With anticipation rising ahead of RWC we are delighted to bring the entire tournament to the Irish public free to air in conjunction with Virgin Media," said Head of RTÉ Sport Declan Bennett.
"The competition promises to deliver some brilliant moments and memories from France and RTÉ Sport will bring you the thrills, spills and talking points across all platforms.”
Mick McCaffrey, Head of Virgin Television News and Sport, also commented on the news: "After Ireland's emphatic victory over England at the Aviva Stadium last weekend, the stage is set for what promises to be a brilliant Rugby World Cup 2023.
"We are very excited to bring our viewers all the action live and free to air, on the Virgin Media Player and across our social media platforms. Our line-up of expert analysts and commentators will both inform and entertain rugby fans across the country throughout September and October.”
SEE ALSO: Simon Zebo Among Those To Mock 'Cringey' England Celebrations During Ireland Loss
