Scotland are about to face Ireland and Italy in International friendlies next year. Ireland visit Murrayfield on Saturday 6 August, with the Italians travelling to Edinburgh a fortnight later. Fans can already buy England Rugby Tickets for their upcoming fixture.

Scotland’s first game at the World Cup in New Zealand is against a yet to be determined play-off winner in Invercargill on 10 September 2011.

The other countries Scotland will be up against in their pool are England, Argentina and Georgia.

Gary Parker says that he is upbeat despite Scotland Women Rugby Union’s defeat. Wednesday’s defeat means the Scots missed out on a play-off place for fifth place and face Ireland in a play-off for seventh and eighth.

“We’ve only been together as a squad for eight months and are a developing side,” said Scotland coach Parker.

“If we can finish seventh, it will be a big achievement for this squad and give us a platform to build on.”

The Scots had already lost to the Canadians as they finished third in the opening group games.