England to begin 2019 Rugby World Cup against Tonga as All Blacks face rivals South Africa in opener

Eddie Jones' side face a five-day turnaround for their second match against the USA, before finishing off their pool campaign against Argentina and France

Eddie Jones will lead his England side against Tonga at the 2019 Rugby World Cup (Getty)

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

The Pool C encounter will take place in Sapporo on 22 September.

Pool A rivals Ireland and Scotland face each other in the first match, also on 22 September, in Yokohama, while Pool D challengers Wales tackle Georgia first-up at the City of Toyota Stadium on 23 September.

England will then face the United States - their first opponents at the 2007 World Cup - in Kobe five days later, followed by Argentina on 5 October in Tokyo and then France in their final Pool C fixture on 12 October 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, in a statement released by England Rugby.

"Our aim is to win Rugby World Cup 2019, and the support for the team will be an important factor."

Steve Hansen's New Zealand will begin their World Cup defence against South Africa (Getty)

"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 fixture clashes also featuring a heavyweight clash between reigning world champions New Zealand and their Rugby Championship rivals South Africa.

PA