TV3 launches its autumn-winter schedule

The Rugby World Cup, Red Rock and Big Brother feature prominently in TV3's autumn-winter schedule.

New programmes will include a documentary series, Disclosure, to start with Vincent Browne looking into the life of Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, The Great Irish Menu and an Irish version of House Rules.

TV3 group commercial director Pat Kiely said six of the station's top 10 shows this year originated from Ireland compared with one out of 10 last year. Mr Kiely said the schedule would continue to focus on more home production.

Breakfast show Ireland AM will be extended into the weekend as Saturday AM and Sunday AM, hosted by Anna Daly, Ivan Yates and Simon Delaney.

UEFA's champion league soccer coverage will return and the station's Rugby World Cup coverage will begin on September 18th. Former Ireland captain Keith Wood (above) will be joined by analysts including coach Matt Williams, retired Leinster flanker Shane Jennings and former Ireland international Hugo MacNeill.

Wood said he looked forward to the coverage and believed the Irish team would do incredibly well.

“World cups – the pressure is unbelievable but the prize is unbelievable,” he said. “For the first time we have a team that is used to success. We have to hope for a semi-final.”