TV3 HAVE ANNOUNCED Keith Wood as the first panellist for their 2015 Rugby World Cup coverage, joining presenter Matt Cooper.

The Irish broadcasting firm, who beat RTÉ for the rights to the tournament, have made the announcement exactly one year out from the beginning of the action in England and Wales.

TV3 are set to provide live coverage of all 48 games in the tournament, as well as a highlights package available on TV, digital and mobile platforms.

For Irish rugby supporters wondering who the faces and voices of TV3′s coverage of the tournament will be, the involvement of 58-times capped former Ireland hooker Wood is likely to be welcome.

“It’s very exciting,” said Wood of agreeing to join TV3. “I got the chance to play at three World Cups but I haven’t ever had a chance to commentate on one.

It’s a lovely idea that a year out from a World Cup that you can get all of your preparations in place, just like the team have to do. TV3 haven’t done rugby for quite a while. We need to put a lot of effort in to make certain bits right on the day.”

Niall Cogley, TV3′s Group Director of Broadcasting, commented that Wood will “bring critical analysis and rugby experience to the panel,” while also revealing that plans to screen the World Cup in HD are progressing.

“With exactly one year to go, the countdown is officially underway,” said Cogley. “In the coming months we’ll have further announcements in relation to our coverage of the tournament and of course our plans to roll out HD in time for the event.”

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