SCOTLAND will face France and Georgia home and away next summer in preparation for the 2019 World Cup. 

Gregor Townsend's side travel across the channel to face the French on 17 August before becoming the first Tier 1 nation to take on the Georgians in Tbilisi on 24 August.

They will then return home, where they welcome France to BT Murrayfield on 31 August and the Lelos on 6 September. 

Read more: Summer tour offers chance to stake claims for World Cup spots

A final 31-man squad will travel to Nagasaki in Japan for a holding camp following the final warm-up game to acclimatise ahead of the World Cup kick-off. 

“With 18 months to go until Rugby World Cup 2019, our planning for the tournament is well underway," said head coach Townsend.

“These warm-up matches against quality international opposition will give us the chance to assess fully where we are as a squad, as well as give players the opportunity to put their hands up for selection for Japan.

Scotland’s matches against France are typically closely-contested, physical encounters. They are an excellent team who will test us in defence and attack.

“Georgia are currently placed 12th in the World Rugby Rankings and are a country on the rise. Playing against them will be a good test for us ahead of our pool matches at the Rugby World Cup.”

2019 Summer Test schedule
Saturday 17 August: France v Scotland; Venue TBC  (kick-off TBC)

Saturday 24 August: Georgia v Scotland; Dinamo Arena, Tbilisi, Georgia  (kick-off TBC)

Saturday 31 August: Scotland v France; BT Murrayfield  (kick-off TBC)

Weekend of Friday/Saturday 6/7 September: Scotland v Georgia; BT Murrayfield (kick-off TBC)