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.
