Thursday Afternoon: Leinster's Tadhg Furlong Handed First Start Of The Season For Game Against Connacht Tomorrow

The Republic of Ireland senior women's team are up to 24th in the latest world rankings, their highest ever position.

RUGBY

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has handed Tadhg Furlong his first start of the season.

The Irish international will feature in tomorrow's United Rugby Championship clash with Connacht in Galway.

Johnny Sexton isn't listed in the matchday squad.

Connacht make five changes to their team following last week's win over Munster.

Former Leinster duo Josh Murphy and Offaly's Peter Dooley are among those to come into the side.

Colm Reilly makes a first start of the season at scrum-half.

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Premiership Rugby and the RFU say the sport's stakeholders must "address the broader challenges" facing the game, with Wasps likely to follow Worcester into administration.

A joint statement explains how close consultation will take place with clubs to examine the structure of the league and visibility of financial information.

The organisations say player welfare will remain "a priority at all times" as they look to provide "stronger foundations" for the game.

SOCCER

UEFA has launched an investigation after Republic of Ireland players were filmed appearing to sing a pro-IRA chant after their Women's World Cup play-off win over Scotland.

A video circulated on social media of the team celebrating in the aftermath of the win at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.

The FAI, manager Vera Pauw and the players have apologised for the incident.

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The Republic of Ireland senior women's team are up to 24th in the latest world rankings, which is their highest ever position.

Pauw's side climb two places after qualifying for the World Cup on Tuesday following their 1-nil win over Scotland.

It means Ireland are set to be in pot three for the draw for the group stage later this month.

USA lead the rankings, while European champions England are in fourth.

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Shamrock Rovers bid to win their first game in the Europa Conference League tonight.

Stephen Bradley's side host Molde at Tallaght Stadium from 8pm.

The Norweigan outfit were 3-nil winners in the reverse fixture last week.

Elsewhere in the same competition, West Ham host Anderlecht in Group B.

The meeting of Fiorentina and Hearts in Group A has a 5.45 start.

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Both Arsenal and Manchester United can take another step towards the Europa League knockout stage tonight.

The Gunners are top of Group A ahead of their meeting with Bodo/Glimt at 5.45 in Norway.

United trail Real Sociedad in Group E as they welcome Neil Lennon's Omonia Nicosia to Old Trafford.

Kick-off is at 8pm.

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Chelsea women's team manager Emma Hayes says she will need 'time and patience' to return to full health.

Hayes underwent an emergency hysterectomy on Tuesday.

Denise Reddy has been placed in temporary charge along with Paul Green.

GOLF

Jonathan Caldwell has finished on level par after his opening round at the Andalucia Masters in Spain.

The Ulsterman was four-under-par after eight - but four bogeys over the final ten holes saw him card a 71 at Valderrama.

Caldwell is five shots off the lead held by four players on five-under.

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Leona Maguire is one-over through three holes of her first round at the Aramco Team Series in New York.

Four players share the early lead on two-under-par.