Ireland Rugby management I would imagine are smiling this morning following the pool draws for the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019.
Ireland have been paired with the hosts Japan in Pool A and will be joined by Scotland and the to-be-determined Europe 1 qualifier and Play-off qualifier.
We last faced Japan in a World Cup in 1995, winning the Pool D match 50-28.
In Pool B, holders New Zealand will face southern hemisphere rivals South Africa, and Italy, as well at the Africa 1 qualifier and Repechage winner.
Pool C will see England, France and Argentina compete for a place in the knockout stages with the Americas 1 qualifier and the Oceania 2 qualifier.
In Pool D 2015 runners-up Australia will come up against Wales, Georgia, the Oceania 1 qualifier and the Ameericas 2 qualifier.
Rugby World Cup 2019 – Pool Draw
Pool A – Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Europe 1, Play-off winner
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