This is a big deal for TV3, and Irish rugby fans.
From 2018 on, the Six Nations' new home on Irish television will be on TV3.
RTE finished up its long association with the Test rugby tournament after the 2017 championship and fans will be pleased to hear the Munster and Ireland legend will be on hand for the new show. Given that he was part of Ireland's coaching staff for the summer tour to America, he should offer an interesting insight to Joe Schmidt and his squad.
The news was confirmed this afternoon as the broadcaster released details of its' upcoming slate of programmes.
https://twitter.com/gavreilly/status/902875997565063168
https://twitter.com/sineadkissane/status/902877668399616001
https://twitter.com/Ashley_Guthrie1/status/902877671402680321
O'Gara's presence as a pundit with RTE went down extremely well and he was known for speaking openly and honestly about the national team, win, lose or draw.
On SportsJOE's rugby podcast, The Hard Yards, the former Ireland out-half has been unafraid to state his opinion and argue his corner. Before Ireland defeated England in the final game of the 2017 Six Nations,
he declared:
"It's not really 15 against 15. It's 15 against 50,000. The power of the supporters should never be underestimated, especially for our country. That's what separates us. There's an incredible bond between [Irish] players and supporters."
He continued, "This is a weekend on which you get measured and they won't be found wanting... It'll be a sad day if England out-desire Ireland in the Aviva."
It is that sort of passion and forthright opinion that should see him add greatly to the TV3 package.
