The Irish rugby squad has arranged World Cup warm-up games against Scotland and Italy.

The Triple Crown winners will travel to Murrayfield on August 11 to face Frank Hadden's men and will then host Italy at Ravenhill two weeks later.

It will be only the second time in 53 years that Ireland have played a home international outside Lansdowne Road, which is to begin redevelopment next year.

The last full international played at Ravenhill, home of Ulster, was against Scotland in 1954, a game Ireland won 6-0.

Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Philip Browne said: "With Lansdowne Road and Thomond Park scheduled to be out of commission, Ravenhill offers the best alternative venue for the Italy game.

"Ravenhill should be sufficient to cope with the expected demand."

Ireland open their World Cup against the African qualifying team in Bordeaux on September 9.