The Guinness PRO14 looks set to return in August in a series of behind-closed-doors games.
The IRFU have plans in place for inter-provincial fixtures to be held at the Aviva Stadium on the weekend of August 22/23.
The league's return will see teams from the same nation play against each other before the season is concluded via semi-finals and a final.
It is then hoped the 2020-21 season will begin in October.
IRFU chief executive Philip Browne described the planned fixtures as a "beacon of hope".
He added: "At these times these games aren't just rugby matches, they are beacons of hope for the country.
"But the levels of financial loss being encountered by all sports is catastrophic, and rugby is no exception."
Revealing that over 60 clubs nationwide had applied for help under the IRFU's hardship fund that was established several weeks ago, Browne said that the Union "will do what it can to help" - but added that the IRFU's ability to help out was not limitless.
Browne added: "It's not sensationalist to suggest that it will take a generation for sport to recover."
Browne did confirm that the IRFU has today received a €5m payment as a result of the strategic partnership that has just been announced between the Guinness PRO14 and CVC Capital Partners, which will be worth £30m sterling to the Union overall.
