Bowe heads a stellar panel of experts including former internationals, Luke Fitzgerald, Donncha O’Callaghan and Mary Louise ‘Maz’ Reilly along with The42.ie rugby journalist, Murray Kinsella.  The eir sport commentary team will be made up of Conor Morris and Liam Toland.  Maz Reilly will act as the pitch side reporter for all Leinster and Munster home fixtures and Murray Kinsella will be the main presenter of a Guinness PRO14 weekly highlights magazine show which will review and preview each round of games.

Fans can look forward to over 30 hours of Guinness PRO14 programming every week throughout the season.

Susan Brady, Managing Director of Consumer and Small Business commented; “We are the NEW home of rugby in Ireland and we want to show as many fans as possible what to expect from our coverage this season. All rugby fans can get a taste of the action on eir sport 1 in HD as we broadcast the first game of the season FTA and across our social channels. This will give rugby fans an opportunity to experience our fresh new approach for the coming season.  Plus we have a fantastic redeveloped studio, an exciting new team of presenters and mouth-watering games to broadcast. We are excited to get started.”

Martin Anayi, CEO of PRO14 Rugby, said: “Today’s announcement by eir sport that they will screen the opening night clash of our two European champions Cardiff Blues and Leinster Rugby, free to air in the Republic of Ireland is great news. By broadcasting on social media, it sits perfectly with the mission of eir sport and PRO14 Rugby to be innovative in how we engage with a younger, wider audience who choose to consume their sport across all devices using apps such the eir sport app.

“eir sport also join us as our Match Official Sponsor with their brand appearing on our referees’ kits. This sponsorship has allowed us to invest record amounts in our match officials which will make a significant impact in the Guinness PRO14 over the next three seasons.”