The Wallabies' 2017 Spring Tour is starting to take shape, with the ARU confirming its first Test against Japan on Japanese soil.
Australia will take on the Cherry Blossoms on November 4, with the venue yet to be determined for the match, which will kick off the Wallabies' end of year tour.
The announcement follows the confirmation of the Wallabies' November 18 Test against England at Twickenham, with the remaining matches of the Spring Tour still to be announced, with that responsibility left to host nations.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver said the match would be important in Australia's preparation for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“This Test match will be an historic occasion as the Qantas Wallabies play their first Test match against Japan on Japanese soil, less than two years before Japan hosts its first ever Rugby World Cup in 2019," he said.
“Japan’s win against South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup is legendary and the rise of Japanese Rugby has continued with the inclusion of the Sunwolves in the Super Rugby competition this year.
“This match will give the Wallabies a taste of playing Test Rugby in Japanese conditions ahead of the World Cup and will springboard their tour of Europe and the United Kingdom next year.”
Australia has faced Japan four times in Test rugby, beating them each time, including a 91-3 win in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
2017 WALLABIES TEST SCHEDULE
June Series
June 10 - Wallabies vs Fiji, AAMI Park
June 17 - Wallabies vs Scotland, Allianz Stadium
June 24 - Wallabies vs Italy, Suncorp Stadium
Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup
August 19 - Wallabies vs New Zealand, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 8pm AEST
September 9 - Wallabies vs South Africa, nib Stadium, Perth, 6pm AWST
September 16 - Wallabies vs Argentina, TBC, 8pm kick off
October 21 - Wallabies vs New Zealand, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7pm AEST
Spring Tour (full details TBC)
November 4 - Japan vs Wallabies, TBC
November 18 - England vs Wallabies, Twickenham, London, 2:30pm GMT
