Scotland to play Japan in June

London - Scotland will play two Tests against Japan on June 18 and 25, the Scottish rugby union announced on Monday.

The matches will be the sixth and seventh times that the two nations have met on full Test-capped terms, while the countries have played on four other occasions when Scotland have fielded a development 'XV' in 1976, 1977, 1989 and 2010.

The most recent clash between the two nations was in this year's Rugby World Cup where the Scots got their campaign under way with a five-try 45-10 win over a Japanese team still reeling from their historic victory over South Africa.

The result meant Japan - ranked 10th in the world - became the first team to be eliminated at the pool stage of the World Cup, despite winning three matches, while Scotland, ranked ninth, went on to face Australia in the quarter-final.

"We're pleased to confirm our 2016 summer tour will take us to Japan, where our players will enjoy a stern assessment from one of the most improved teams in the world," said Scotland coach Vern Cotter.

"Japan are forging a very strong rugby culture and will be boosted by the inclusion of a Japanese franchise in Super Rugby for the first time that year, all of which will combine to create a very testing environment for our touring group of players."