The Counties XV, the representative flagship of community rugby in England, will play both matches at Georgia’s High Performance Centre in Tblisi, the first on Wednesday June 4 and the second on Sunday June 8.

“We are anticipating two very tough fixtures,” said Steve Pope, the England Counties XV head coach.

“England Counties Under 20s went to Georgia last year and that tour was very well received and there was a huge crowd for the international they played.

“A lot of their players play their club rugby in France so they will have a played at a good level. We expect them to be big and physical and for the two matches to be good tests for us.”

England Counties hope to include a nucleus of the squad that suffered narrow defeats against France Federale XV in Nevers and Ireland Club XV at Darlington Mowden Park earlier this season.

The selection process for the Georgia tour will start in earnest when the County Championship Shield begins next month followed by the County Championship Bill Beaumont Cup First and Second Division competitions.