Aviva Stadium to welcome fans for Ireland's summer Tests

The Aviva Stadium is set to see the return of fans for the first time in 17 months when they host Ireland's summer Tests against Japan and the United States next month.

The last time Ireland's home ground had spectators was during the Six Nations game against Wales in February last year following which the pandemic coronavirus forced the games to be played under closed doors.

However, with the situation improving the government has given the games test pilot status which will see the match against Japan on 3rd July to have a maximum capacity of 3,000 fans while 6,000 will be permitted to attend the match against the USA scheduled on 10th July.

"These games are initial positive steps on the journey back to hopefully full stadia across the island," said Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Philip Browne.

"The numbers are small, but I am sure spectators will make themselves heard in cheering on the team.

"We hope that this programme, if successful, will put us all in a strong position to welcome back larger numbers of fans to the Aviva Stadium in the autumn when we will have three international rugby fixtures, including games against New Zealand and Argentina."