WALES will play back-to-back Tests against both England and Ireland ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Warren Gatland’s men will prepare for Japan 2019 with tough encounters with their Six Nations rivals, starting with a trip to Twickenham on Sunday, August 11.

They entertain Eddie Jones’ side at Principality Stadium the following Saturday before repeating their 2015 preparations with an Irish double-header.

They host the grand slam winners in Cardiff on Saturday, August 31 before finishing their preparations with a trip to Dublin on Saturday, September 7.

Gatland names his squad for Japan in the week building up to that Aviva Stadium encounter.

"I’m delighted with the fixture schedule we have put together for next summer leading us into the rugby world cup," said the head coach.

"We have put together a detailed plan of preparation leading into the tournament and these fixtures are an extremely important part of that.

“It is important we test ourselves in competitive environments before heading to Japan and these matches are ideal for us and I’m delighted to have secured back-to-back fixtures against both England and Ireland.

"The home matches especially are also a great opportunity for us to play in front of our supporters and for them to see us in action before we head to Japan."

Wales begin their World Cup campaign on Monday, September 23 against Georgia in Toyota City, before facing Australia, Fiji and then Uruguay in Pool D.

Meanwhile, England will play a Test match in Newcastle for the first time in preparation for Japan.

Italy will be visitors at St James' Park on September 6 with Jones' side also hosting Ireland along with their Wales Tests.