Ireland Rugby fans can kick off their mornings during their commute, at home or at work, with live commentary of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup games on BBC Radio Ulster.
Getting their campaign underway, Michael McNamee introduced live coverage of the first Pool A encounter with Scotland on Sunday 22nd September on BBC Radio Ulster FM. Jim Neilly commentated on the 27-3 victory.
Joe Schmidt’s side return to action for their second game on Saturday 28th September against hosts Japan, with live coverage starting at 8am on BBC Radio Ulster FM.
Russia is up next on Thursday 3rd October with coverage starting at 11am on BBC Radio Ulster FM before Ireland finish their round of Pool A fixtures against Samoa on Saturday 12th October. Coverage starts at 11am on BBC Radio Ulster FM.
Jim has commentated on every Rugby World Cup for BBC Northern Ireland – and he has been to every one. The first was staged in 1987 in Australia and New Zealand. Japan 2019 will be Jim’s ninth and he’s looking forward to the action starting.
Jim Neilly said: “Ireland, despite their number one world ranking, would not be favourites to win the World Cup. But their warm up games have shown that there is huge potential there and I certainly expect Ireland to reach the quarter finals – if not the semi-finals – which would be a major achievement.
“I’m looking forward hugely to the start of the tournament. Having commentated for the BBC on the first Rugby World Cup in 1987 it’s fascinating to see how the players and national teams approach the tournament and how the game has developed over the years. The passion of the fans hasn’t changed though and I’m looking forward to keeping them across all the action and bringing listeners a flavour of Ireland’s journey during this World Cup.”
The games on BBC Radio Ulster FM will also be available on BBC Sounds, DAB and the BBC Sounds App.