THERE ARE SOME new faces to familiarise yourself with ahead of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations.  

The departure of Joe Schmidt sees Andy Farrell step into the role of Ireland head coach and the rugby league legend will be hoping to hit the ground running in his first tournament at the helm after a disappointing World Cup. 

It’s the first major sporting event of the year, and excitement is building as the whole country gets behind the Irish team, who are aiming to bounce back from their below-par showing in Japan. 

There’s a lot to keep track of, but the folks at Virgin Media Television are here to make it easier for you to stay in the loop. The Line-Out is a brand new entertainment show with a focus on rugby during the Guinness Six Nations. 

The Six O’Clock Show’s Muireann O’Connell co-presents alongside ex-Ireland and Ulster wing Andrew Trimble, and Ireland 7s rugby player and Love Island winner Greg O’Shea, as the trio take a light-hearted look at the rugby stories of the week with some players of the past and present, comedians and other personalities. 

Premiering this Thursday at 10pm on Virgin Media Two — directly after Love Ireland to ensure a night full of entertainment — the first guests include Ireland and Leinster star Rob Kearney, rugby expert Matt Williams and comedian Julie Jay. 

Experienced fullback Kearney will be in studio to discuss missing out on Ireland’s squad and the team’s chances under Farrell.

Ireland’s all-time record caps holder, Brian O’Driscoll, will also make an appearance via VT. 

The show is hosted by Greg O'Shea and Muireann O'Connell. Virgin Media Television Virgin Media Television

“I’m hugely excited to get in front of a live studio audience with Greg,” said Muireann.

We’ve been having so much fun together getting this show ready that I think it’ll be great to bring the craic of the Guinness Six Nations to everyone, regardless of how into rugby you are.”

Greg adds: “I’m looking forward to speaking about rugby and all the action from the Guinness Six Nations — chatting to some brilliant guests, learning from Muireann too as she has so much TV experience, but most of all just having a bit of fun!”

The Line-Out airs for the first time on Virgin Media Two at 10pm on Thursday, 30 January, and then every Thursday throughout the Guinness Six Nations on Virgin Media One. If you miss out, you can catch up on the Virgin Media Player. Every Guinness Six Nations game will also be shown live on Virgin Media Television