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Wales to kick off 2018 summer tour vs. Springboks in Washington D.C.

Wales will kick off their 2018 summer tour against South Africa in Washington, D.C. on June 2, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed on Monday.

Warren Gatland's side -- currently fourth in the Six Nations table following Saturday's defeat to Ireland -- will face the Springboks at the city's RFK Stadium.

Following the match, Wales will head to Argentina for a two-Test series against the 2015 Rugby World Cup semifinalists.

Baltimore-based sportswear manufacturer Under Armour signed a nine-year agreement with the WRU in 2016 to supply Wales' official kit and sponsor the team's November Test series.

WRU CEO Martyn Phillips described the clash with the Springboks as a "great opportunity to showcase Wales" in a city just 38 miles from the home of the team's kit supplier.

"This is an exciting fixture for the WRU and for the national squad," Phillips said in a statement. "It enables us to add a third fixture into the squad's schedule as they continue with their preparations for the 2019 RWC [Rugby World Cup] and for the union it is a great opportunity to showcase Wales and our game in the capital of the United States.

"The opportunity to expand the already great Welsh support base and Welsh brand is very exciting for us as especially in such a large demographic and audience as the U.S."

Wales hosted the two-time World Cup-winning Springboks in Cardiff last December, running out 24-22 winners at the Principality Stadium.

SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux said: "The match in Washington allows us to take Springbok rugby to America and to potentially expand the team's appeal to very large audience.

"Our research shows that the Springboks have a growing worldwide fan base and we see the match in Washington as [an] ideal platform to tap into a market that offers huge possibilities for South African rugby, in the exciting American sporting area."

Tickets for the match will go on sale on March 13.