Rugby World Cup 2023: Free-to-air live coverage confirmed

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, as Andy Farrell’s team look to make history in the coming weeks.

It all gets underway on Friday September 8, with the hosts France taking on the All Blacks on RTÉ2. The action runs right up to the final on Saturday October 28.

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.”

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.