Guinness Six Nations organisers are considering pushing back the start of next year's tournament in the hope that supporters will be allowed to attend games.
IRFU chief executive Philip Browne recently warned that the consequences of behind closed doors matches at the Aviva Stadium in 2021 would be 'frankly unpalatable', as 18,000 patrons are required to break even on a fixture.
He added that the financial drain of behind closed doors games would threaten the future of the professional game in Ireland.
“Until we can admit spectators in meaningful numbers into our stadia, and return to some level approaching self-sustainability, the whole rugby infrastructure built over the last 150 years is under threat.”
England are set to have three home fixtures in the 2021 Six Nations and their chief Bill Sweeney is also warning of grave consequences for clubs in England if they lose an estimated £60-million next year.
“If there are no fans for the Six Nations we will see a £138m reduction in revenue with a loss of £60m, preventing investment in areas such as the women’s elite game and community rugby."
While Wales head-coach Wayne Pivac has backed the prospect of postponing the start of the next Six Nations until fans can attend in meaningful numbers.
“There is talk that it could be pushed out slightly, looking at what the virus might be doing," he told The Guardian.
“Discussions are ongoing and that is smart. Unions are desperate not only for matches to go ahead but to make sure that crowds watch them so we can meet our financial obligations to the game. We have taken quite a pounding in recent months and having no, or small, crowds will not help.”
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