Rob Moffat’s side take on Bath – whom they faced in the Heineken Cup pool stages last year – at the Rec on August 21 before hosting London Irish seven days later at Murrayfield.

And assistant coach Tom Smith – who played under McGeechan for Northampton, Scotland and the Lions – believes the fixtures provide the perfect platform for the Gunners to start the season firing on all cylinders.

He said: “Both Bath and London Irish play an attractive brand of rugby, and the games will be good to watch as well as a real test for our players.

"Sir Ian McGeechan joining Bath will give that match extra spice from a Scottish perspective, and bringing a quality side like Irish to Murrayfield will make for an excellent spectacle for our supporters."