Ireland’s two top broadcasters, RTÉ and Virgin Media, have announced that they will be broadcasting this year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan. The tournament, which will see 20 teams compete over 48 matches, is set to kick off on September 20th and will run until November 2nd. The partnership between RTÉ and Virgin Media will ensure that fans across the country will be able to tune in to watch every try, conversion, and tackle. With the tournament shaping up to be one of the most competitive and captivating in rugby history, fans can now look forward to watching every moment unfold live from the comfort of their own homes.
RTÉ and Virgin Media have secured the broadcasting rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. All 48 matches will be shown live on both channels in Ireland. This will be the first time that the two channels will share the broadcasting rights for a major sporting event. The event is set to take place in France in September and October 2023.
RTÉ’s Group Head of Sport, Declan McBennett, described the deal as “a massive statement of RTÉ Sport’s ambition to bring the very best of Irish and international sport to Irish audiences”. While Tony Hanway, the CEO of Virgin Media Ireland, said that the deal “demonstrated a shared commitment to bring the best sporting events to Irish TV screens”.
In addition to live coverage, the two channels will also share the free-to-air broadcasting rights for the event. This means that some matches will be shown on both RTÉ and Virgin Media. This move will result in an increased audience for the Rugby World Cup in Ireland.
The Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, attracting millions of viewers globally. The 2019 edition of the tournament attracted a total audience of 857 million, making it one of the most-watched editions of the competition.
Overall, the deal is seen as a major coup for RTÉ and Virgin Media, as well as for Irish sports fans who will be able to enjoy the Rugby World Cup in its entirety, live and free on Irish television.
As the countdown to the Rugby World Cup in Japan continues, Irish fans can look forward to watching all the action on both RTÉ and Virgin Media this September. With comprehensive coverage and expert analysis from some of the biggest names in Irish rugby, viewers can expect an immersive and unforgettable viewing experience. Whether you’re cheering on Ireland or following your favorite team, be sure to tune in and witness the world’s best rugby players compete on the world’s biggest stage. With RTÉ and Virgin Media bringing the tournament to your living room, it’s time to kick off the excitement and get ready for an epic rugby showdown.