SOCCER
Aaron Connolly will miss tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier with Luxembourg.
There was initially some confusion regarding the striker’s availability, with the FAI’s Twitter account and manager Stephen Kenny providing conflicting updates.
However, Kenny later conceded that Connolly will miss the game.
The player removed all confusion by posting an Instagram story from Brighton Seafront.
Connolly’s absence opens up a spot for either Shane Long or James Collins tomorrow night.
Kenny was happy with the contributions of Collins and Long off the bench in Belgrade
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The Republic of Ireland under-21’s came from behind to beat Wales in a friendly this afternoon.
Jonathan Afolabi and a Morgan Boyes own goal saw Jim Crawford’s side win 2-1 in Wrexham.
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Dundalk seek a first win of the new SSE Airtricity Premier Division season this evening.
Shane Keegan’s side welcome Finn Harps to Oriel Park from 5.45.
While Kevin Sheedy has his first home game as Waterford boss, with Sligo Rovers visiting the RSC from 7.45.
The Leeside derby meeting of Cork City and Cobh Ramblers is perhaps pick of the games on the opening night of First Division action.
Shelbourne begin life back in the second tier away to Galway United.
UCD host Athlone, and Wexford entertain Cabinteely.
RUGBY
France are hoping to be crowned Six Nations champions tonight.
They take on Scotland in their rearranged game in Paris, needing a 21-point winning margin with a bonus point to deprive Wales of the title.
Kick-off is at 8.
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Munster have welcomed back their internationals for tomorrow’s PRO14 Grand Final with Leinster.
Peter O’Mahony, CJ Stander, Tadhg Beirne, Keith Earls, and Conor Murray all return to the starting fifteen.
Joey Carbery starts at out-half, with the Clermont-bound JJ Hanrahan on the bench.
Robbie Henshaw and Jordan Larmour will start among the Leinster backs, while Jonathan Sexton is among the replacements.
Cian Healy, Andrew Porter, Rhys Ruddock, and Jack Conan are restored to the pack.
SAILING
Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in the 49er class.
On the final day of action at the Olympic qualifier in Lanzarote, the Dublin pair can’t be surpassed for the final qualifying place.
Dickson and Waddilove will join Annalise Murphy in representing Ireland at the summer games.
GOLF
Rory McIlroy needs a win and a favour this evening if he’s to progress to the knockout phase of the WGC Matchplay.
He’s just teed off against Cameron Smith.
McIlroy also needs Lanto Griffin to beat Ian Poulter.
Shane Lowry ended his week with a win, beating Sebastian Munoz (pr: Mun-Yoath) 3-and-2.
SNOOKER
Neil Robertson leads Mark Selby by 6-frames to 2 following the afternoon session of their Tour Championship semi-final.
The first to ten will go through to Sunday’s decider.
