Ireland’s most decorated rugby player Rob Kearney will headline the Premier Sports team for the broadcaster’s coverage of the Autumn Nations Cup in the Republic of Ireland.
Premier Sports has announced it will show 12 games of the inaugural tournament, which will see Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy, Fiji and Georgia battle for glory.
While the dozen exclusive fixtures will not involve Andy Farrell’s Ireland, the deal will allow supporters in the Republic of Ireland to watch the remainder of the tournament.
All of Ireland’s games will be broadcast free-to-air on RTÉ and Channel 4.
Former RTÉ head of sport Ryle Nugent will head up Premier Sports’ coverage along with former Leinster and Ireland full-back Kearney, who announced his international retirement earlier this year.
Kearney appeared in the famous green jersey 95 times during an illustrious 12-year career, winning four Six Nations titles including two memorable Grand Slams in 2009 and 2018.
He was also part of two British & Irish Lions tours – in 2009 and 2013 – and appeared at three Rugby World Cups with Ireland before deciding to call it a day at the end of last season.
Speaking about his new role with Premier Sports, Kearney said: “I am excited to join the Premier Sports team for the upcoming Autumn Test games and joining Ryle in the studio.
“Obviously I am supporting Ireland, that goes without saying, but I look forward to seeing how some of the emerging nations perform in this year’s tournament.”
Premier Sports’ full list of fixtures is as follows:
ROUND 1
Italy vs Scotland, 12.45pm on 14 November
England vs Georgia, 3pm on 14 November
France vs Fiji, TBC on 15 November
ROUND 2
Italy vs Fiji, 12.45pm on 21 November
Wales vs Georgia, 5.15pm on 21 November
Scotland vs France, 3pm on 22 November
ROUND 3
Scotland vs Fiji, 1.45pm on 28 November
Wales vs England, 4pm on 28 November
France vs Italy, 8pm on 28 November
FINALS WEEKEND
Georgia vs TBD, 12pm on 5 December
Wales vs TBD, 4.45pm on 5 December
England vs TBD, 2pm on 6 December
