Thursday Morning Sports Update

Thursday, 5 February 2026 08:25

By Emma O'Connor

Keeping you up to date on rugby, soccer, golf and racing.

RUGBY

The 2026 Six Nations gets underway tonight, with France playing host to Ireland in Paris.

Antoine Dupont will feature for the French for the first time since sustaining a serious knee injury in last year's tournament.

Kick-off in Paris is at 8:10pm.

SOCCER

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says they will ask for clarification on whether Marc Guehi (pr: gay-he) can play in the EFL Cup final.

As things stand, the England defender won't be part of the squad because he was signed after the first leg of their last four tie against Newcastle.

City will face Arsenal in the decider after completing 5-1 aggregate win over the Magpies with a 3-1 win at the Etihad last night.

Rangers beat Kilmarnock 5-1 last night to continue their impressive run of form.

The win has taken them to within three points of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

Celtic's game at Aberdeen and Dundee against Motherwell were both postponed because of waterlogged pitches.

GOLF

Patrick Reed is in sole possession of the lead on day one of the Qatar Masters on the DP World Tour.

The American - who recently confirmed his departure from LIV Golf - is seven-under-par through 13 holes in Doha.

Padraig Harrington, who is playing in his 500th DP World Tour event, tees off at 8:35am.

World number one Scottie Scheffler returns to action at the Phoenix Open this afternoon.

The American hasn't played since winning at La Quinta last month.

RACING

Thurles hosts a seven-race card this afternoon, with the first going to post just after 1pm.

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