The match schedule for the 2019 Rugby World Cup was released on Thursday, with hosts Japan set to face the top team from European qualifying in the tournament's opening match on Sept. 20 at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium.

Japan will also play Ireland (Sept. 28 in Shizuoka), the Europe-Oceania playoff winners (Oct. 5 in Toyota) and Scotland (Oct. 13 in Yokohama) in Pool A.

Two-time defending champions New Zealand, in Pool B, launch their campaign against South Africa on Sept. 21 in Yokohama, while England, led by ex-Japan coach Eddie Jones, start off against Tonga on Sept. 22 in Sapporo.

For the full RWC 2019 match schedule go here:

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Guest presenters of the RWC 2019 match schedule announcement in Tokyo: (From L) Ian Williams, Shane Williams, Ayumu Goromaru and Kensuke Hatakeyama.