The match schedule for the tournament was announced by World Rugby and the Japan Rugby 2019 organising committee in Japan. The All Blacks are in Pool B alongside South Africa, Repechage Winner, Africa 1 and Italy, and the three-time and current World Champions will open their tournament with a hugely-anticipated match against South Africa at International Stadium, Yokohama, on 21 September.

The All Blacks will then travel to the city of Oita in southern Japan for the Repechage 1 Test on 2 October, before returning to Tokyo for the match against Africa 1 on 6 October.  The final Pool match against Italy will be played at the City of Toyota Stadium on 12 October.

Speaking from London, New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said “It’s exciting that the match schedule has been announced and is another big milestone in the All Blacks preparation for Rugby World Cup 2019.

“With two years out, today’s announcement begins to really bring to life the tournament for players and fans. All Blacks fans can now begin to start planning their travel and find out how to get tickets to the matches.”

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen, who is also in London with the team preparing for this weekend’s Barbarians match, said “It’s great that the venues and cities for our matches at Rugby World Cup 2019 have been confirmed and it shows that we are another step closer to the tournament.

“The World Cup in Japan will be a fantastic event and now our fans know where we are going to play, they can begin making their travel plans in earnest.”

The Rugby World Cup 2019 will be hosted in Japan between 20 September and 2 November 2019.

All Blacks RWC2019 match schedule

Saturday 21 September New Zealand v South Africa International Stadium, Yokohama

Wednesday 2 October New Zealand v Repechage winner Oita Stadium, Oita

Sunday 6 October New Zealand v Africa 1 Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo

Saturday 12 October New Zealand v Italy City of Toyota Stadium, Toyota

Full Match schedule can be viewed at: www.rugbyworldcup.com/fixtures

Match tickets can be purchased at: www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.