SCOTLAND will face Ireland and hosts Japan in the pool stages of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Gregor Townsend’s side learned their opponents at the draw in Kyoto on Wednesday morning, with more than two years to go before the tournament kicks off.

The Scots defeated Ireland 27-22 on the opening day of the Six Nations Championships at Murrayfield this year, while they have been drawn against Japan for the second World Cup in a row after a 45-10 victory in England two years ago.

Completing the pool are Europe’s top qualifiers as well as the play-off winner.

The tournament in Japan will take place between 20 September and 2 November 2019 and will be the first Rugby World Cup to be held in Asia.

Townsend, who succeeded Vern Cotter in the role recently after completing his final season with Glasgow Warriors, will get his first taste of international rugby during next month’s summer tour that includes test matches against Italy, Australia and Fiji.

2019 Rugby World Cup draw

Pool A

Ireland

Scotland

Japan

Europe 1

Play-off winner

Pool B

New Zealand

South Africa

Italy

Africa 1

Repechage winner

Pool C

England

France

Argentina

Americas 1

Oceania 2

Pool D

Australia

Wales

Georgia

Oceania 1

Americas 2