Rugby World Cup fixtures announced as England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland find out their fate for 2019

ENGLAND will kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign against Tonga.

The Red Rose learned they will take on their Pool C rivals on September 22 after the fixtures for the Japan tournament were announced.

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Ireland and Scotland face each other in a blockbuster Pool A opener between the home nations rivals on the same day.

Warren Gatland’s Wales, meanwhile, come up against improving Georgia on September 23 in Tokyo.

Eddie Jones’ England are also up against Argentina on October 5 in the capital before completing their fixtures against France in Yokohama a week later.

The head coach said: “Rugby World Cup 2019 will be a brilliant experience for rugby supporters who travel to Japan.

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“Our aim is to win Rugby World Cup 2019, and the support for the team will be an important factor.

“We hope to see as many England fans as possible getting behind us in Japan as we try to achieve our ultimate goal, while also enjoying the atmosphere in what will be a fantastic tournament.”

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Wales’ meet Pool D giants Australia on September 29 and will also have to overcome potential banana skin Fiji on October 9 followed by the Americas 2 qualifier – possibly Canada –  four days later.

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Reflecting on the schedule, Gatland said: “It is good to have the full details announced as the excitement for the tournament continues to grow.

“We have spoken recently about our aims and belief for 2019 and how our focus over the next two years is to provide a platform for us to peak in Japan. With this announcement we can continue our planning and preparation for the tournament in finer detail.

“We kick off the tournament against Georgia before facing Australia, both of whom we play this November in Cardiff. We then have a good block of time before facing Fiji in Oita, before the short turnaround before our final pool encounter versus Americas 2.

“We have four cities to visit so it is important we buy into the culture of Japan and the tournament.”

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After tackling Ireland, Scotland meet the yet to be decided play-off winners on September 30, then go to Shizuoka to tackle the Europe 1 qualifiers, possibly Romania, before facing the hosts.

Ireland meet Japan is in Shizuoka on September 28, then they take on Europe 1 in Kobe five days later, and the play-off winner on October 12.