The 2023 Rugby World Cup is already underway with big wins and shocking defeats, including Fiji defeating Australia and sweeping Pool C.
In fact, this is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining World Cups we’ve ever had.
Over the course of seven weeks, there are 27 days during which a rugby match is played. And most match days there is more than one match, and most matches take place over the weekend.
For the full list of matches, check out our dedicated tournament schedule guide. And if you’re looking for a wall chart, we have one too. Scroll down to see our ranking of the top 12 gaming commentators and experts.
How to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup on TV in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the tournament is broadcast only on ITV.
The main presenter is Mark Pougatch, who usually leads the channel’s football coverage. Jill Douglas will share presenting duties, from France, alongside David Flatman and Hugh Woozencroft.
Other experts on ITV’s roster include Jonny Wilkinson, Sam Warburton, Brian O’Driscoll, Bryan Habana, Clive Woodward, Sergio Parisse, Lawrence Dallaglio and Sean Fitzpatrick.
Lead commentary duties will fall to Nick Mullins, Miles Harrison, Johnnie Hammond, Martin Gillingham and Claire Thomas, while ITV’s co-commentary team includes Ben Kay, Shane Williams and Scott Hastings.
The interviews will be conducted by Gabriel Clarke, Lee McKenzie and Topsy Ojo.
In the United States, the tournament is broadcast on NBC Sports. In South Africa, the television coverage is SuperSport.
How to listen to the radio
Live radio coverage of Rugby World Cup 2023 matches is broadcast exclusively on the BBC. The matches will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.
Sonja McLaughlan is the lead radio presenter. Other BBC Radio experts and co-commentators include Matt Dawson, Chris Ashton and Ugo Monye.
Which ITV channel are the matches broadcast on?
All matches will be broadcast on ITV1 with the exception of the next eight matches.
- Italy vs Uruguay (September 20) – ITV4
- France v Namibia (September 21) – ITV4
- Uruguay vs Namibia (September 27) – ITV4
- Japan v Samoa (September 28) – ITV4
- Australia v Portugal (October 1) – ITV4
- New Zealand v Uruguay (October 5) – ITV4
- Tonga v Romania (October 8) – ITV3
- Fiji v Portugal (October 8) – ITV4
By Charles Richardson
Here’s our guide to the best experts and commentators working in the sport.
To avoid any conflict of interest, three Telegraph columnists were deemed ineligible for selection on this list: Brian Moore, Maggie Alphonsi and Sir Ian McGeechan.
12. Laurent Dallaglio (ITV)
Prone to rambling, but amidst some occasional waffling there can be a lot of sense. Like England captain Johnson (see below), Dallaglio is outspoken and not afraid to say what he thinks, but knowledge of the laws of the game can often be lacking. Cunning in this area was one of his strong points as a player; I’m not really an expert. However, a fervent follower of rugby on a daily basis; He knows how to listen better than most.
11. Bobby Skinstad (BBC)
He was a breath of fresh air in the early 2000s alongside Stuart Barnes, Dewi Morris and Simon Lazenby in the much-loved (and much-missed!) Sky Sports magazine show The Rugby Club. He is no longer a regular on the British airwaves but, like Fitzpatrick, a southern hemisphere perspective is valuable, if not always welcome.
10. Martin Johnson (BBC)
A little terse and factual (full member of the “why use two words when one will do?” brigade), but that’s almost its strong point. Just like when he was a player, he doesn’t fill the airwaves with idle chatter and when he talks, people listen. Almost unparalleled insight, in expert terms, into what it takes to lead and succeed at the top, but he hasn’t been involved in the elite game for some time.
9. Scott Hastings (ITV)
Although the former Scotland center retired professionally in 1997, his scholarly experience, coupled with his friendly tone, means he is often elevated to lead commentator. This promotion is only given to the strictest broadcasters; those who, like Hastings, are not afraid to let the action do the talking. Unlike some of his teammates, it is clear that he continues to follow football closely.
8. Ben Kay (ITV)
Astute and analytical in forward exchanges (particularly set pieces, his dominance as a player) and, to be fair, well versed in the laws and the latest referee instructions. Attempts at “joking” can be irritating, mind you, and he tends to overcomplicate himself when calling a spade a spade might be more helpful to the viewer.
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