Media Releases

TEN announces Rugby World Cup commentary team   Author: Network Ten | Mar 13, 2007, 14:45

Network Ten today unveiled its on-air line up for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. TEN's commentary team will feature an entirely new and contemporary array of talent which will bring together an outstanding combination of journalistic and on-air sports presenting experience and in-depth Rugby knowledge.

All of TEN's Rugby World Cup programming will be hosted by Bill Woods. Bill has over 20 years experience as a news and sport journalist and presenter. Having fulfilled a variety of on-air roles with TEN News and Sport, Bill currently anchors TEN's National Early News bulletin and the Weekend News.

Network Ten's Rugby commentator will be Rupert McCall. Rupert is one of Australia's premiere sporting personalities. He is a gifted poet, highly popular radio presenter and passionate Rugby devotee. Four years ago, Rupert's national profile broadened significantly due primarily to his various media commitments surrounding the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Among various other pursuits, Rupert currently co-hosts the 'Sports Today' program on Brisbane radio station 4BC.

Alongside Bill and Rupert will be TEN's two expert rugby commentators Ben Tune and Ben Darwin. Ben Tune is a current member of the Queensland Reds playing squad in the Super 14 competition. A veteran of 47 test caps for the Wallabies, Tune made his debut against Wales in 1996. He has 120 test points to his name as well as the honour of being named on the right wing in the recent Wallabies Team of the Decade.

Ben Darwin's professional career began as a prop forward with the ACT Brumbies in 1997. Ben was a member of the all-conquering 2001 Brumbies team that was champions of the then Super 12 competition. That year Ben was selected for the Wallabies and made his debut against the British Lions in Brisbane. Ben's 28 Wallabies caps included two successful Beldisloe Cup campaigns and the series win over the Lions. It was during the Wallabies 2003 Rugby World Cup semi final win over New Zealand that Ben sustained a near-fatal and career ending spinal injury. Ben is now a forward coach in the Super 14 competition as well as a corporate and motivational speaker.

In announcing the commentary team, TEN's general manager – sport, David White, said "Network Ten is extremely proud and excited with our on-air line up for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Our commentary team will deliver a fresh and enthusiastic approach to Rugby broadcasting. The Rugby World Cup is the only sporting event of international significance in 2007 and we are thrilled that TEN's Australian broadcast will be fronted by this contemporary new team."

Further details of TEN's Rugby World Cup programming will be released in due course.

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