2019 POOLS
Pool A – Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Europe 1, play-off winner (Europe 2 v Oceania 3)
Pool B – New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Africa 1, repechage winner
Pool C – England, France, Argentina, Americas 1, Oceania 2
Pool D – Australia, Wales, Georgia, Oceania 1, Americas 2
England have been drawn with France and Argentina in a tough Pool C for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Scotland and Ireland are in Pool A, alongside the hosts.
Wales will face Australia in a repeat of the 2015 tournament, where both sides beat hosts England to qualify from the group stage, while Georgia join them in Pool D.
Reigning world champions New Zealand will take on South Africa and Italy in Pool B.
The World Cup runs from 20 September to 2 November 2019.
“It’s massively exciting, a unique country and unique culture,” said England head coach Eddie Jones, who led Japan at the last World Cup.
England face Argentina in two Tests in June with Jones saying they can “practice a little bit” against the Pumas.
Speaking about England’s Pool C opponent, Jones added: “France have really improved over the past two years and are certainly a dangerous team.”
England failed to advance from their “group of hell” in 2015, becoming the first hosts to exit before the knockout stage.
The 12 teams who automatically qualified by finishing in the top three of their groups at the last World Cup have been drawn.
The eight remaining teams have had their slots allocated and will be determined by the qualification process that ends in 2018.
England have also drawn the top North and South America qualifier [either USA or Canada], as well as the second-best Oceania qualifier, which will be one of Fiji, Samoa or Tonga.
