The Irish will play two Tests in Tokyo plus one warm-up game which has still to be decided.

The Tests against Japan will be on 12 and 19 June. Ireland, however, will travel without coach Eddie O'Sullivan who will be involved with the Lions.

Ulster's Mark McCall and Michael Bradley of Connacht would be front runners to take care of the Japan trip.

The Lions are due to kick-off their tour on 4 June with the final Test on 9 July.

Ireland have met Japan five times winning on each occasion. The last time the teams met was four years when Ireland won 78-9.