RTÉ and Virgin Media Television join forces to bring all 48 matches of Rugby World Cup 2023 live and free-to-air

Virgin Media Television and RTÉ announce broadcast schedule as the world’s top sides compete for the Webb Ellis Cup 

Today, Monday 21st August, RTÉ and Virgin Media Television announced details of its joint broadcast schedule for the Rugby World Cup 2023, with all 48 matches to be available live and free-to-air for Irish fans.

The partnership will see all games equally aired across both broadcasters again this year, for what promises to be an explosive World Cup. Don’t miss a second of the action from France, as Andy Farrell’s team look to make history in the coming weeks.

It all gets underway on Friday 8th September with the hosts France taking on the All Blacks on RTÉ2. The action runs right up to the final on Saturday 28th October. Ireland will enter the fray on Saturday 9th September against Romania in Bordeaux, kicking off on Virgin Media Television at 2.30pm. On Saturday 16th September, Ireland v Tonga will air on RTÉ2, followed by South Africa v Ireland on Sunday 23rd September, 8pm. Ireland v Scotland will then air on Virgin Media Television on Sunday 7th October.

Declan McBennett, Head of RTÉ Sport commented: “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. The competition promises to deliver some brilliant moments and memories from France and RTE Sport will bring you the thrills, spills and talking points across all platforms.” 

Mick McCaffrey, Head of News and Sport at Virgin Media Television said: “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.” 

Jacqui Hurley will present coverage of all the live games on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player with Hugh Cahill, Des Curran and Connor Morris on commentary. Daire O’Brien will also present a comprehensive round-up of the news and action from France on Against the Head on RTÉ2 each Monday. RTÉ reporters including Clare MacNamara, Justin Treacy, Paul O’Flynn and Neil Treacy will be with the Ireland camp in France throughout the tournament. Michael Corcoran and David Humphreys will also bring live coverage on RTÉ Radio 1.

RTÉ panellists and co-commentators this year include Jamie Heaslip, Simon Zebo, Jerry Flannery, Stephen Ferris, Fiona Coghlan, Bernard Jackman, Hannah Tyrrell, Donal, Lenihan and Darren Cave. 

RTÉ’s comprehensive Rugby World Cup 2023 coverage of all matches includes exclusive free-to-air matches on RTÉ2, RTÉ Radio and RTÉ Player, while RTÉ.ie/Sport will have minute-by-minute match coverage alongside news, analysis and interviews and on @RTErugby. Against The Head returns with the latest news and discussions on Monday nights on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Sport will bring fans closer to all things Rugby World Cup 2023 on The RTÉ Rugby Podcast. RTÉ News will have the latest coverage around the Rugby World Cup, including updates on the RTÉ News Now app.

*Virgin Media Television will show Ireland’s quarter-final should they reach the last eight, along with the other game that day. RTÉ will show the other two quarter-finals. 

**RTÉ will show Ireland’s semi-final should they reach the last four. Virgin Media Television will show the other semi-final.