The British and Irish Lions will play their first match on home soil since 2005 when they take on Japan in June next year.
Warren Gatland’s Lions have agreed to face the Brave Blossoms at Murrayfield on June 26 immediately prior to departure for their three-Test tour against world champions South Africa.
“We saw Japan play some excellent rugby during the World Cup and they will come to Edinburgh fully-motivated to win,” said Gatland.
“They are a talented side who play high-tempo rugby, so it’ll be a good challenge for us ahead of the tour, and a chance for the match day squad to put their hands up for Test selection.”
Only twice before have the Lions hosted a Test match on ‘home’ soil and not since Sir Clive Woodward’s 2005 team played Argentina in Cardiff. Prior to that there was a 1986 clash against a Rest of the World XV.
Japan boss Jamie Joseph said: “It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our players, and we can't wait.”
The Lions’ eight-game tour kicks off in Cape Town on July 3 against the Stormers. Just three weeks later the Test series begins in Johannesburg.
