The road to Japan.

Scotland’s road to the Rugby World Cup 2019 was confirmed today with home and away fixtures against France and Georgia next summer.

The four-match, Summer-Test schedule will begin when the Scotland squad travel to face France (17 August) then Georgia (24 August) before returning home to play France (31 August) and Georgia (6 September) both at BT Murrayfield.

Scotland Head Coach, Gregor Townsend, said:

“With 18 months to go until Rugby World Cup 2019, our planning for the tournament is well underway.

“These warm-up matches against quality international opposition will give us the chance to assess fully where we are as a squad, as well as give players the opportunity to put their hands up for selection for Japan.

“Scotland’s matches against France are typically closely-contested, physical encounters. They are an excellent team who will test us in defence and attack.

“Georgia are currently placed 12^th in the World Rugby Rankings and are a country on the rise. Playing against them will be a good test for us ahead of our pool matches at the Rugby World Cup.”

Scotland have been paired alongside Six Nations rivals Ireland, as well as tournament hosts Japan in their Rugby World Cup pool.

Scotland’s 2019 Summer Test schedule

Saturday 17 August: France v Scotland; Venue TBC  (kick-off TBC)
Saturday 24 August: Georgia v Scotland; Dinamo Arena, Tbilisi, Georgia  (kick-off TBC)
Saturday 31 August: Scotland v France; BT Murrayfield  (kick-off TBC)
Weekend of Friday/Saturday 6/7 September: Scotland v Georgia; BT Murrayfield (kick-off TBC)