David Wallace scores a try in the second Test match back in 2005.

David Wallace scores a try in the second Test match back in 2005.

THE JAPAN RUGBY Football Union has today confirmed the dates for Ireland’s two Test matches against the Brave Blossoms in June 2017.

Joe Schmidt’s side will open their tour against the hosts on Saturday 17 June before playing the second Test a week later on Saturday 24 June, the same day the Lions take on New Zealand in Auckland.

Japan, currently ranked 11th in the world, will also play Romania on Saturday 10 June before meeting Ireland for the first time since 2005. Ireland recorded 44-12 and 47-18 victories during that two-match tour.

The venues and kick-off times for next summer’s games have yet to be confirmed.

Ireland’s summer tour of Japan:

Japan v Ireland, Saturday 17 June 2017

Japan v Ireland, Saturday 24 June 2017

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