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Dublin - The 2019 Rugby World Cup pool draw will take place next May, World Rugby announced on Wednesday, eight months closer to the tournament than the draw for the 2015 competition.
Wales were drawn alongside Australia and hosts England when the draw for last year's World Cup was made in December 2012, after slipping to ninth in the world rankings.
It led to England's elimination in the group phase and rugby's leading nations have argued that the closer to the tournament the draw is held, the more accurately it will reflect the balance of power in the game.
"We are very looking forward to the pool allocation draw taking place as it will be another significant step towards Rugby World Cup 2019," said Japan Rugby 2019 chief executive Akira Shimazu in a World Rugby press release.
"With just over two years to go when the draw takes place, we will be using it as a way to build excitement ahead of what we believe will be an amazing tournament for the game.
"It will also be another opportunity to build momentum in Japan and add to the increasing excitement that already exists."
There are eight slots at the 2019 tournament still up for grabs, with 80 teams hoping to qualify.
