Saurday Sport

Women’s Six Nations kicks off, Republic of Ireland host Belgium

RUGBY

A new era for Irish women’s rugby begins this afternoon.

With a new head coach installed, and a report into the state of the game dealt with, Ireland begin their Women’s Six Nations campaign.

There’s a debut for scrum-half Aoibheann Reilly as Wales visit the R-D-S, where kick-off is at 4.45.

Captain Nichola Fryday will lead out the team for the first time

Before that, England begin the defence of their title against Scotland in Edinburgh.


Munster are up to third in the United Rugby Championship, for a few more hours at least.

They ran in six tries in a 51-points to 22 bonus point win over Benetton at Musgrave Park last night.

Leaders Leinster are in action this evening, in a dress rehearsal for their Heineken Champions Cup knockout tie.

They play Connacht at the Sportsground from 7.35.

Before that, Ulster are in South Africa to play the DHL Stormers.

SOCCER

The Republic of Ireland celebrates the FAI’s centenary at the Aviva Stadium this evening.

The world’s number-1 ranked side Belgium are the visitors for an international friendly.

Caoimhin Kelleher will make just his second start for Ireland, and kick-off is at 5.

The Republic of Ireland under-19s need a win this evening to maintain hope of qualifying for this summer’s European Championships.

After defeat to England earlier in the week, Tom Mohan’s side play Portugal at St. George’s Park where kick-off is at 7.30.
 

GOLF

Seamus Power joined just a handful of Irish golfers to have qualified for the Masters last night.

Progress to the last-16 at the W-G-C Match Play means he’ll hold onto his place in the world’s top-50.

Power will play England’s Tyrell Hatton in Austin today.
 

FORMULA ONE

The FIA has confirmed this weekend's Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead.

"Extensive discussions" about the safety event took place following a missile strike near to the track in Jeddah yesterday.

A third practice session starts at 2 o'clock, before qualifying takes place.


RACING

The Curragh heralds the start of the Irish flat season this afternoon.

There’s an eight-race card with the first going to post at 1.25.