The IRFU has announced that it is in contact with the Government as it seeks to proceed as normal with full capacity crowds during next month's Six Nations.
As things stand, the capacity for outdoor sporting fixtures is limited to 5,000 people. This rule is set to expire at the end of this month.
It is uncertain how many fans will be able to attend the home fixtures against Wales (February 5th), Italy (February 27th) and Scotland (March 19th).
Capacity crowds were permitted during the November Tests against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina though only the clash against the All Blacks was a sellout.
At present, England is the only participating country where full crowds are allowed at sporting events. In Wales, matches are currently taking place behind closed doors.
The 2021 Six Nations was held in completely empty stadiums, something which cost the IRFU dear given how 80 per cent of the union’s funding comes from gate receipts at men’s internationals.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the governing body confirmed that they are planning to proceed as normal in terms of capacity:
“We will remain in contact with government and issue updates as and when more information is available,” the union said in a statement.
“For now, we are proceeding with our normal planning, as failure to do so would impact ticket distribution for the Guinness Six Nations.”
