Tuesday Lunchtime Sports Update

Keeping you up to date on soccer, rugby, cricket and snooker

SOCCER

Megan Connolly is back in the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign against France in March.

The Cork native wasn't part of the squad for the behind-closed-doors friendly against Hungary before Christmas.

There's also a place for goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, while Leanne Kiernan is also included.

Ireland begin their campaign against France on March 3rd before facing the Netherlands four days later.

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The Champions League knockout phase gets underway tonight, with the first legs in the play-off round down for decision.

The pick of the ties is the meeting of Real Madrid and Benfica, who are managed by former Real boss Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese club qualified for the play-off round courtesy of a dramatic win over tonight's opponents last month.

Kick off in Lisbon is at 8pm.

At the same time, Dortmund face Atalanta and Monaco take on last year's winners PSG.

The early game, from 5.45, is between Galatasaray and Juventus.

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Dundee United will hope to avoid a Scottish Cup upset tonight.

The Premiership club host League Two side Spartans at Tannadice.

The winners will face Falkirk in the quarter-finals of the competition.


RUGBY

Henry Arundell has been cleared to play for England against Ireland in the Six Nations on Saturday.

The winger received two yellow cards against Scotland last weekend, but a disciplinary committee says no further punishment beyond the red card is warranted.

That means he'll be available for Saturday's match at Twickenham.


CRICKET

The toss has been delayed ahead of Ireland's meeting with Zimbabwe at the T-20 Cricket World Cup.

Rain has been falling in Kandy this morning, but the covers have now come off the playing surface ahead of the start of the match.

Ireland are currently fourth in their group table with one win from their three matches so far.



SNOOKER

Mark Allen begins his campaign at the Players Championship in Telford this afternoon.

The Antrim native faces Wu Yize in the opening round from 1pm.