Fans may be allowed to return to stadiums for the Six Nations, according to a Fianna Fáil TD.
Junior Sports Minister, Jack Chambers says it is a ‘definite possibility’ that some fans will be allowed at the Six Nations.
The Government is discussing ways to bring supporters back to sporting fixtures in a safe way.
It will not happen in time for the GAA All Ireland finals this year though.
Mr Chambers is hoping fans will return in the New Year: “I am hopeful that we can see some of your sporting fixtures in the spring with fans, whether it is GAA, football or rugby.
“Hopefully if that workers well we can update our guidance accordingly. That combined with hopefully a better public health context in 2021 that there will be a pathway of some normality for sporting fans.”
He said that the IRFU have been involved in their working group and that “In the first instance, we'll have a percentage of fans... they will probably run six or eight trials, with specific controls in place."
He also noted that the spectating experience during those early trials will be 'different' for fans, as there wil be specific measures in place to make sure the likes of entering and exiting the stadium are handled safely.