Rugby World Cup: Scotland confirm four warm-up games

Scotland have confirmed they will warm up for this year's World Cup with games against Ireland, Italy and France.

Vern Cotter's side will kick off a run of four fixtures on consecutive Saturdays on August 15 - taking on Ireland in Dublin, facing Italy in Turin and Edinburgh before finishing their preparations with a trip to Paris.

The games will allow us to rotate and test a large group of players throughout these preparatory matches in what is the last opportunity for everyone to put their hand up for selection.

Cotter said: "Clearly our priority at the moment is the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations, however we are pleased to confirm four matches against top quality international opposition ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

"The games will allow us to rotate and test a large group of players throughout these preparatory matches in what is the last opportunity for everyone to put their hand up for selection."

Scotland kick off their World Cup campaign against Japan in Gloucester on September 23, before facing other pool rivals USA, South Africa and Samoa.