Well-known rugby analyst Brent Pope has claimed that he is not too happy with RTÉ for omitting him from their Rugby World Cup panel roster.
The Rugby World Cup is set to start on September 9 and will have a number of pros offering their insight into the game. However, Pope, who has been a long-time contributor to rugby debates on tv, will not be part of RTÉ's commentary.
The 60-year-old New Zealander had been offering his opinions and feedback since 1995 but has not appeared on Irish TV screens since Covid hit in 2019.
Despite being a veteran of the rugby pundit world, the Kiwi believes that he still has plenty to offer when it comes to the game of rugby.
The former RTÉ pundit believes that his age shouldn't have factored in any decision made by the state broadcaster.
"I was put out to pasture... it was tough because I have a good understanding of the game coming from a player and coach background," he told The Sunday Mirror.
“People think when you get to a certain age you are washed up as a pundit and don’t have anything to offer in the modern game.
“That couldn’t be further from the truth because you, in fact, know more about the game and players that are involved.
“I have good insight into all the teams, and this will be the first World Cup I will not be involved in since 1987, either as a player or a pundit.
Rugby legend Brent Pope speaks out - 'I wanted to be part of RTE World Cup commentary'https://t.co/DmOsCZJF0i
— Irish Daily Mirror (@IrishMirror) August 13, 2023
“I was only out this morning, and someone asked me ‘When will we see you back on TV again?’ and I said, ‘I won’t be’.
“You never know what’s around the corner. I will be going over to watch the first two matches anyway. I just want to be part of it all.”
Ireland will begin their campaign against Romania on September 9. Andy Farrell's men are expected to get out of the group. However, that's when it gets difficult.
The Boys in Green will face either hosts France in the quarter-final or Pope's New Zealand in the same round.
Despite being born and raised in that part of the world, the 60-year-old claims it is now time for Ireland to take the Webb Ellis trophy from the All-Blacks this coming Autumn.
"They got the draw horribly wrong, and that was a huge mistake, to make the seedings in 2019, because now you are looking at the top five sides in the world who are all on one side of the draw.
“That doesn’t just make it difficult for Ireland but also New Zealand, France, South Africa, and Scotland as well.
“People do ask me ‘Who will you be supporting?’ and absolutely I would love Ireland to win a World Cup.
"Years ago I would have wished that New Zealand would win, but now it’s time for Ireland to win."
