The tournament, being staged in England, will be shown in Ireland by the free-to-air broadcaster after a "highly-competitive" process.

TV3 will also package highlights of games on TV, digital and mobile in a deal which Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) says represents a "record financial commitment for the Irish market".

"Ireland has traditionally been a strong and passionate rugby market and we are delighted to be appointing a broadcaster that shares our enthusiasm for rugby and for our showcase event," said RWCL managing director Brett Gosper.

"TV3 plays a major role in the promotion of sport in Ireland and we are excited by the station's innovative plans to broadcast Rugby World Cup 2015.

"We look forward to working in partnership to deliver an exciting experience for sports fans in Ireland."

Ireland's Six Nations triumph last month puts them in the frame for a strong World Cup run in England next year ©Getty Images



Ireland's World Cup hopes were boosted by their Six Nations victory last month.

They lost 22-10 to Wales in the quarter-final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

TV3 Group chief executive David McRedmond said: "This is tremendous news for TV3.

"We are quite sure that Rugby World Cup will be the stand out sporting event for Irish people in 2015 and we can hardly wait to follow the progress of the Irish team."

The tournament, which will also see games staged in Wales, will is due to take place from September 18 to October 31 with 20 teams competing for the Webb Ellis Cup.

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