Thursday Morning Sports Update

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

SOCCER

Nottingham Forest are on the lookout for a new manager following the departure of Sean Dyche last night.

He was sacked after just four months in charge following the nil-all draw with Wolves in the Premier League - with Forest now just three points above the relegation places.

Elsewhere last night, Manchester City moved back to within three points of Arsenal thanks to a 3-nil win over Fulham

Aston Villa are still third after their 1-nil win over Brighton, while Sunderland lost at home for the first time this season after a 1-nil defeat to Liverpool.

At the bottom end of the table, Burnley gave their survival prospects a boost with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.

Tonight, Arsenal can re-establish their six-point advantage at the summit if they win away at Brentford.

The Republic of Ireland will find out their opponents for the next edition of the Nations League later today.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's side will be in League B, after beating Bulgaria in a promotion-relegation playoff last March.

The draw takes place in Brussels at 5 o'clock Irish Time.

RUGBY

The Ireland team to face Italy in the Six Nations this weekend will be named this afternoon.

Andy Farrell is likely to make several changes after last week's defeat to France in Paris.

James Lowe and Rob Baloucoune could be poised to feature on either wing, while there may also be an international debut for Munster second row Edwin Edogbo.

GOLF

Rory McIlroy begins the defence of his Pebble Beach Pro-Am title later.

The Masters champion is paired with Ryan Fox for his first round, teeing off in Florida just before 25-past-5 Irish Time.

Shane Lowry gets his campaign underway at the same time.

Kildare’s Lauren Walsh will resume from five-under-par on day two of the Saudi Ladies International later today.

Walsh is six shots off the leader, Mimi Rhodes of England.

Anna Foster will set off from two-under.