England to face Tonga in RWC 2019 opener

8:35 AM BST

England's opening game of the 2019 Rugby World Cup will be against Tonga.

The Pool C encounter will take place in Sapporo on Sept. 22. Pool A rivals Ireland and Scotland face each other in the first match, also on Sept. 22, in Yokohama, while Pool D challengers Wales tackle Georgia first-up at the City of Toyota Stadium on Sept. 23.

England will then face the United States -- their first opponents at the 2007 World Cup -- in Kobe, followed by Argentina on Oct. 5 in Tokyo and then France in their final Pool C fixture seven days later in Yokohama.

The Sapporo Dome, venue for England's first match, opened ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and has a capacity of just over 40,000.

"Rugby World Cup 2019 will be a brilliant experience for rugby supporters who travel to Japan," England head coach Eddie Jones said.

"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."

The 2019 match schedule was announced in Japan on Thursday, with the opening round of pool fixtures also featuring a heavyweight clash between reigning world champions New Zealand and their Rugby Championship rivals South Africa.

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England to face Tonga in RWC 2019 opener