All Rugby World Cup games free-to-air as RTÉ and Virgin Media announce coverage details

Every Rugby World Cup game will be available free-to-air after RTÉ and Virgin Media announced details of their tournament coverage.

The opening game of the competition between hosts France and three-time winners New Zealand is live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Friday 8 September with a 8.15pm kick-off (Irish time).

Ireland's matches against Tonga (16 September) and South Africa (23 September) are also live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player, while their opening Pool B game versus Romania (9 September) and their final group game against Scotland (7 October) is live on Virgin Media.

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, Michael Glennon 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.

Declan McBennett, Head of RTÉ Sport said: "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 RTÉ Sport will bring you the thrills, spills and talking points across all platforms."

Should Ireland reach qualify for a quarter-final the match will be live on Virgin Media and