Taoiseach Micheal Martin gave a positive Covid-19 update on Thursday morning as he suggested that the Government is expecting to lift restrictions from the start of next week.
The news will come a huge boost to both the IRFU and GAA ahead of the start of the Six Nations and National Leagues.
Under current restrictions, which were introduced on December 20, a maxium of 5,000 people are permitted to attend outdoor gatherings, but there are now hopes that full-capacity crowds could return as soon as next weekend.
Speaking to Morning Ireland on RTE on Thursday, the Taoiseach said: "The Government will meet tomorrow [Friday], after that I intend to give a clear statement about what lies ahead in the short term and medium term.
"The public health perspective is now that there has to be a rationale for measures.
"The situation is positive. The combination of the booster campaign and the fact that Omicron isn't as virulent as Delta and other waves has meant the impact on people has been much less. We can be positive.
"I thank the people of Ireland for how they have adapted so that we were able to control Omicron. I think we are entering a new phase. We intend now to live with Covid over the next while, because it isn't going away.
"It's very possible change will happen next week. The original restrictions were in until January 31 but we are hoping to have an earlier lifting of restrictions."
However, the Taoiseach noted that some rules will remain.
He said: "There are some areas we want to keep - there could be another chapter in Covid yet and we need to be mindful that the pandemic is not over. Mask wearing will be an important feature. [What we're seeing in the UK] is a long way away yet. "
The Allianz Football League kicks off on January 29, with Mayo v Donegal among the games taking place on the opening weekend.
The Six Nations commences one week later when Ireland host Wales at the Aviva Stadium and the IRFU are hoping that over 50,000 people will be allowed to attend the fixture.
Last year's Six Nations games were played in empty stadiums, which cost the IRFU dear given that 80 per cent of their funding comes from gate receipts at men’s internationals.
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
