GAA training in Northern Ireland could resume on the 12th of April following their Executive's announcement of an easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Outdoor training for sports teams in the six counties for groups of up to 15 will be permitted from that date, subject to formal approval from the Executive.

It raises the possibility of inter-county training getting back underway in Northern Ireland before the Republic of Ireland and Ulster GAA has urged teams not to resume activities until April 12th.

The GAA has favoured a 32-county approach on return to play and Ulster Council said this evening that they'll await further guidance from the GAA's Covid Advisory Group.

UPDATE: Ulster GAA Statement on Executive sports training announcement.https://t.co/D9K3fJnw5V

— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) March 16, 2021

Ulster GAA statement:

"The NI Executive have this evening announced that sports training for affiliated clubs may resume outdoors in groups of up to 15 people from Monday 12 April, subject to Executive ratification the previous week.

"Clubs in the north must stress to their players and management teams that 12 April is the earliest date that they may be permitted to resume activity.

"The Covid Advisory Group will consider this development and will in the coming period issue updated guidance to all units of the Association.

"In the meantime, it is important that all our units continue to abide by both Government and GAA guidelines. To this end it is worth re-stating that all GAA pitches and indoor facilities remain closed at present."