The IRFU have confirmed that the North Terrace at Lansdowne Road will be re-opened for Ireland's three home games in the forthcoming Six Nations, beginning with the game against Italy in a fortnight's time.

The terracing was closed for the three November internationals after an accidental fire the night before the All Blacks' match and it is estimated that the cost of the restoration work was in the region of €100,000.

"That work has been completed and the north terracing will be open for the Six Nations," confirmed a Union spokesperson last night.

Hence, the capacity of the stadium will go back up by 7,500 to 49,500.