IRELAND will face Scotland and hosts Japan in the pool stage of the Rugby World Cup 2019 finals.
Meanwhile, England have once again found themselves in the pool of death after being grouped with France and Argentina.
Wales were drawn in Pool D alongside Australia and Georgia in what was a mixed draw for the Home Nations.
As the fourth-ranked team in the world, Ireland were drawn in the top pool and therefore avoided some potentially difficult sides.
BREAKING: Your Pools for #RWC2019 in Japan are as follows... pic.twitter.com/rXKezsg9qQ
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) May 10, 2017
Ireland’s loss to Scotland in this year’s Six Nations campaign will be in the minds of Joe Schmidt’s men as they hope to reach the semi-finals for the first time.
Ireland have met Japan twice before in the World Cup finals, winning both in 1991 and 1995 – but the Irish will be wary of their East Asian hosts given their memorable win over South Africa in 2015.
Head coach Schmidt takes his Ireland squad on a summer tour to Japan next month to play two Tests against England Head Coach Eddie Jones’ former side.
The moment you get drawn in the pool of death again... #RWC2019 @EnglandRugby @unionargentina @FFRugby pic.twitter.com/pGmYkPOyvM
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) May 10, 2017
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