World Cup squads named

Siwan Lillicrap leads a Welsh squad that includes 18 forwards and 14 backs with every single player playing their club rugby in England.

Number eight Sioned Harries, fly-half Elinor Snowsill and prop Caryl Thomas are set to participate in their fourth World Cup while Kerin Lake makes her first having missed out twice before, once due to injury and once because she had just had a baby.

Lowri Norkett, whose sister Elli played in the 2014 World Cup before she tragically passed away in 2017, is also named.

Backs:Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears), Lleucu George (Gloucester-Hartpury), Hannah Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury), Jasmine Joyce (Bristol Bears), Kerin Lake (Gloucester-Hartpury), Lisa Neumann (Gloucester-Hartpury), Ffion Lewis (University of Worcester Warriors), Lowri Norkett (University of Worcester Warriors), Kayleigh Powell (Bristol Bears), Elinor Snowsill (Bristol Bears), Niamh Terry (University of Worcester Warriors), Megan Webb (Bristol Bears), Robyn Wilkins (Exeter Chiefs), Carys Williams-Morris (Loughborough-Lightning).

Forwards:Alisha Butchers (Bristol Bears), Alex Callender (University of Worcester Warriors), Gwen Crabb (Gloucester-Hartpury, Georgia Evans (Saracens), Kat Evans (Saracens), Abbie Fleming (Exeter Chiefs), Cerys Hale (Gloucester-Hartpury), Sioned Harries (University of Worcester Warriors), Cara Hope (Gloucester-Hartpury), Natalia John (University of Worcester Warriors), Kelsey Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury), Bethan Lewis (Gloucester-Hartpury), Gwenllian Pyrs (Bristol Bears), Donna Rose (Saracens), Siwan Lillicrap (Gloucester-Hartpury, capt), Carys Phillips (University of Worcester Warriors), Caryl Thomas (University of Worcester Warriors), Sisilia Tuipulotu (Gloucester-Hartpury).

The tournament favourites are bringing a squad packed with depth and experience though there is no place for Natasha Hunt, the scrum half who had been second choice right up to recently behind Leanne Infante.Winger Abby Dow, who has recovered from a broken leg in the Six Nations, makes a squad of which nineteen have previous Rugby World Cup experience.

Captain Sarah Hunter is likely to become England's most capped every player in New Zealand.

Forwards: Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears), Hannah Botterman (Saracens), Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins), Poppy Cleall (Saracens), Amy Cokayne (Harlequins), Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins), Lark Davies (Bristol Bears), Rosie Galligan (Harlequins), Sarah Hunter (captain; Loughborough Lightning), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), Laura Keates (University of Worcester Warriors), Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury), Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury), Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning), Marlie Packer (Saracens), Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury), Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning), Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears).

Backs: Holly Aitchison (Saracens), Jess Breach (Saracens), Abby Dow (Wasps), Zoe Harrison (Saracens), Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury), Leanne Infante (Saracens), Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins), Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Sarah McKenna (Saracens), Lucy Packer (Harlequins), Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), Emily Scarratt (vice-captain; Loughborough Lightning), Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors).

Scotland

Scotland have gone for a 16-16 split amongst the backs and forwards with no huge shocks in the squad they have named. A handful of players like Lisa Cockbyurn and Jenny Maxwell are named as they make their way back from injuries and the squad is captained byRachel Malcolm.

Having failed to appear at the last two World Cups, this will unsurprisingly be the first World Cup for every player named.

Coach Bryan Easson said: “We are all incredibly excited for the month ahead. I think it’s been a long time coming and it was exactly this time last year that we were in Italy trying to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, so it’s been a year in the making. A lot of discussions have been had, a lot of players have been played over the past year as well, so the process around that was to make sure we had the right players going."

Backs:Shona Campbell (Edinburgh University), Megan Gaffney (Loughborough Lightning), Coreen Grant (Saracens), Sarah Law (Sale Sharks), Rhona Lloyd (Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais), Caity Mattinson (Worcester Warriors), Mairi McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill), Liz Musgrove (Watsonians), Helen Nelson (vice-captain, Loughborough Lightning), Emma Orr (Biggar), Chloe Rollie (Exeter Chiefs), Eilidh Sinclair (Exeter Chiefs), Hannah Smith (Watsonians), Meryl Smith (Edinburgh University), Lisa Thomson (Sale Sharks), Evie Wills (Hillhead Jordanhill).

Forwards:Leah Bartlett (Loughborough Lightning), Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Elliann Clarke (Edinburgh Univ), Katie Dougan (Gloucester-Hartpury), Evie Gallagher (Worcester Warriors), Jade Konkel-Roberts (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm (captain, Loughborough Lightning), Rachel McLachlan (Sale Sharks), Louise McMillan (Saracens), Lyndsay O’Donnell (Worcester Warriors), Lana Skeldon (Worcester Warriors), Jodie Rettie (Saracens), Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning), Molly Wright (Sale Sharks), Anne Young (Heriot’s).

New Zealand

There are lots of talking points in New Zealand’s team with no place for Chelsea Semple or former captain Les Elder, while sevens players Kelly Brazier and Tyla Nathan-Wong also fail to make the cut.

Included are sevens captain Sarah Hirini and Portia Woodman and the squad is captained by Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Simon.

Coach Wayne Smith recognised the tough selection process.

"There are a number of players who have had long, distinguished careers in the black jersey and their contribution to this team has been crucial in getting the team to where it is today. And we know as with any campaign of this length, we may still see some of them called into the squad."

Forwards:Luka Connor, Natalie Delamere, Georgia Ponsonby; Tanya Kalounivale, Phillipa Love, Krystal Murray, Amy Rule, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Santo Taumata; Chelsea Bremner, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Maiakawanakaulani Roos; Alana Bremner, Sarah Hirini, Charmaine McMenamin, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Kendra Reynolds, Kennedy SimonBacks:Ariana Bayler, Kendra Cocksedge, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu; Ruahei Demant, Hazel Tubic; Logo I Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Fitzpatrick; Stacey Fluhler, Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Ruby Tui, Renee Wickliffe, Portia Woodman

Australia

Captained by former sevens star Shannon Parry, a mainstay of the team in recent years, Sharni Williams was also named in the Wallaroos squad, and she heads to New Zealand fresh from an amazing summer, winning the Commonwealth Games, Sevens World Cup and World Series. She is the only new face in the squad after the recent series against the Black Ferns.

Australia finished in sixth-placed finish at the last tournament in 2017 while their best ever placing was third in 2010.

Forwards: Liz Patu, Emily Robinson, Bree-Anna Cheatham, Madison Schuck, Bridie O'Gorman, Eva Karpani,  Ashley Marsters, Adiana Talakai,  Tania Naden,  Michaela Leonard, Sera Naiqama,  Atasi Lafai, Kaitlan Leaney , Shannon Parry (captain), Emily Chancellor,  Grace Hamilton, Grace Kemp,  Piper Duck,Backs: Iliseva Batibasaga,  Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Trilleen Pomare, Siokapesi Palu, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Sharni Williams, Mahalia Murphy, Ivania Wong, Bienne Terita, Maya Stewart, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Lori Cramer

Canada

Sophie de Goede captains the Canada side which features a mix of experience and new talent. Olivia DeMerchant, Brianna Miller, Laura Russell, Tyson Beukeboom, Karen Paquin, Elissa Alarie, Brittany Kassil, DaLeaka Menin and Alexandra Tessier, all have represented Canada in at least one previous Rugby World Cup.

Canada head to the World Cup on the back of consecutive wins in home international test matches - 32-24 over Italy and 31-3 over Wales. DeMerchant and Beukeboom are. both line to win their 50th caps.

Forwards: Alex Ellis, Brittany Kassil, Courtney Holtkamp, DaLeaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Emma Taylor, Fabiola Forteza, Gabrielle Senft,  Gillian Boag, Karen Paquin,  Laura Russell.  McKinley Hunt,, Mikiela Nelson, Ngalula Fuamba,  Olivia DeMerchant, Sophie de Goede, Tyson BeukeboomBacks: Alexandra Tessier, Alysha Corrigan, Anaїs Holly, Brianna Miller, Elissa Alarie, Julia Schell,, Justine Pelletier, Maddy Grant, Marie Thibault, Paige Farries.  Sabrina Poulin,  Sara Kaljuvee, Sara Svoboda, Sarah-Maude Lachance, Taylor Perry

France

New French head coach Thomas Darracq has sprung some surprised with his squad, while a handful of key players are injured.

There is no place for Audrey Forlani or Coumba Diallo in the pack while there is a spot for uncapped sevens flier Joanna Grisez.. Wingers Cyrielle Banet and Caroline Boujard miss out through injury.

Forwards: Julie Annery, Rose Bernadou, Yllana Brosseau, Annaëlle Deshaye, Célia Domain, Charlotte Escudero, Madoussou Fall, Manaé Feleu, Céline Ferer, Émeline Gros, Gaëlle Hermet, Clara Joyeux, Assia Khalfaoui, Marjorie Mayans, Romain Ménager, Safi N’Diaye, Agathe Sochat, Laure Touye.Backs: Émilie Boulard, Pauline Bourdon, Alexandra Chambon, Caroline Drouin, Maëlle Filopon, Joanna Grisez, Chloé Jacquet, Mélissande Llorens, Marine Ménager, Laure Sansus, Jessy Trémoulière, Gabrielle Vernier.

Saki Minami will captain the Sakura 15s in New Zealand and is one of eight players in the squad who experienced RWC 2017 in Ireland.

Japan will play the Black Ferns for the first time in a test in the lead-up to RWC 2021, which gets underway for them against Canada on 9 October.

Forwards: Sachiko Kato, Wako Kitano, Hinata Komaki, Yuka Sadaka, Saki Minami (captain), Makoto Lavemai, Kotomi Taniguchi, Nijiho Nagata, Masami Kawamura, Yuna Sato, Maki Takano, Kie Tamai, Otoka Yoshimura, Sakurako Korai, Seina Saito, Misaki Suzuki, Iroha Nagata, Kyoko Hosokawa, Ayano Nagai.

Backs: Megumi Abe, Moe Tsukui, Ayasa Otsuka, Minori Yamamoto, Komachi Imakugi, Hinano Nagura, Yuki Ito, Ayaka Suzuki, Shione Nakayama, Mana Furuta, Ria Anoku, Ai Hirayama, Rinka Matsuda.

Prop Hope Rogers is in line to appear at a third Rugby World Cup having been named in the USA’s squad for next month’s showpiece tournament in New Zealand.

Rogers is one of nine players selected by Rob Cain who represented the Women’s Eagles at RWC 2017 in Ireland, where the USA reached the semi-finals.

Forwards: Catie Benson (Sale Sharks), Charli Jacoby (Exeter Chiefs), Elizabeth Cairns (Life West Gladiatrix), Erica Jarrell (Beantown), Evelyn Ashenbrucker (San Diego Surfers), Georgie Perris-Redding (Sale Sharks), Hallie Taufoou (Loughborough Lightning), Hope Rogers (Exeter Chiefs), Jenny Kronish (Harlequins), Jett Hayward (Life West Gladiatrix), Jordan Matyas (USA Sevens), Kate Zackary (Exeter Chiefs), Kathryn Johnson (Twin City Amazons), Kathryn Treder (Beantown), Kristine Sommer (Seattle Rugby Club), Maya Learned (Gloucester-Hartpury), Nick James (Sale Sharks), Rachel Johnson (Exeter Chiefs).

Backs: Alev Kelter (Saracens), Bridget Kahele (Beantown), Carly Waters (Sale Sharks), Lotte Clapp (Saracens), Eti Haungatau (Lindenwood University), Gabby Cantorna (Exeter Chiefs), Jennine Detiveaux (Exeter Chiefs), Katana Howard (Sale Sharks), McKenzie Hawkins (Life West Gladiatrix), Megan Foster (Exeter Chiefs), Meya Bizer (Beantown), Olivia Ortiz (Colorado Gray Wolves), Tess Feury (Wasps).

Sereima Leweniqila will captain a squad that features 15 players who won the Super W title with Fijiana Drua earlier this year.

Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has selected six overseas-based players and as many Fijiana sevens squad members. Jade Coates and Vani Arei miss out on medical grounds.

Forwards: Joma Rubuti, Bitila Tawake, Mereoni Vonosere, Asinate Serevi, Sulita Waisega, Karalaini Naisewa, Ema Adivitaloga, Sereima Leweniqila (captain),  Jiowana Sauto, Iris Verebalavu, Bulou Vasuturaga, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Akosita Ravato, Vika Matarugu.

Backs: Ana Maria Roqica, Merewalesi Rokouono, Vitalina Naikore, Akanisi Sokoiwasa, Raijieli Laqeretabua, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Alowesi Nakoci, Rusila Nagasau, Timaima Ravisa, Roela Radiniyavuni, Siteri Rasolea, Raijieli Daveua, Kolora Lomani, Melaia Matanatabu, Ana Maria Naimasi, Talei Wilson, Sesenieli Donu, Lavena Cavuru.

Veteran full-back Manuela Furlan has been included in the Azzurre squad despite picking up an injury in Italy’s defeat to France earlier this month.

Elisa Giordano will captain the squad, which features nine players who have won more than 50 test caps. Sofia Rolfi is the only uncapped player included.

Forwards: Francesca Barro (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Lucia Gai (Velsugana Rugby Padova), Gaia Maris (Wasps), Michela Merlo (Rugby Colorno), Sara Seye (Transvecta Rugby Calvisano), Emanuela Stecca (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Silvia Turani (Exeter Chiefs), Melissa Bettoni (Stade Rennais), Vittoria Vecchini (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Giordana Duca (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Valeria Fedrighi (Stade Toulousain), Isabella Locatelli (Rugby Colorno), Sara Tounesi (Sale Sharks), Ilaria Arrighetti (Stade Rennais), Giada Franco (Rugby Colorno), Elisa Giordano (Captain, Valsugana Rugby Padova), Francesca Sgorbini (ASM Romagnat), Beatrice Veronese (Valsugana Rugby Padova).

Backs: Sara Barattin (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Sofia Stefan (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Veronica Madia (Rugby Colorno), Emma Stevanin (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Beatrice Capomaggi (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Alyssa D’Inca (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Beatrice Rigoni (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Michela Sillari (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Manuela Furlan (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Francesca Granzoto (Unione Rugby Capitolina), Maria Magatti (CUS Milano Rugby), Aura Muzzo (Arredissima Villorba Rugby), Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi (Valsugana Rugby Padova), Sofia Rolfi (Rugby Colorno).

Captain Nolusindiso Booi and Zenay Jordaan have been selected for a third Rugby World Cup, having been named in the Springbok Women squad for RWC 2021.

Tayla Kinsey and Asithandile Ntoyanto also have previous Rugby World Cup experience, having played at RWC 2014. Six of the 32 players named represented South Africa at the recent RWC Sevens 2022 in Cape Town.

Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie (EP Queens), Babalwa Latsha (DHL Western Province), Monica Mazibukwana (EP Queens), Azisa Mkiva (DHL Western Province), Yonela Ngxingolo (Border Ladies), Asithandile Ntoyanto (Border Ladies), Roseline Botes (DHL Western Province), Micke Gunter (Cell C Sharks Women), Lindelwa Gwala (Cell C Sharks Women), Nolusindiso Booi (captain, DHL Western Province), Lerato Makua (Blue Bulls Women), Nompumelelo Mathe (Cell C Sharks Women), Catha Jacobs (Blue Bulls Women), Lusanda Dumke (Border Ladies), Aseza Hele (Boland Dames), Sinazo Mcatshulwa (DHL Western Province), Sizophila Solontsi (Cell C Sharks Women), Rights Mkhari (Blue Bulls Women).

Backs: Tayla Kinsey (Cell C Sharks Women), Rumandi Potgieter (Blue Bulls Women), Unam Tose (Border Ladies), Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Blue Bulls Women), Zenay Jordaan (EP Queens), Jakkie Cilliers (Blue Bulls Women), Zintle Mpupha (DHL Western Province), Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies), Chumisa Qawe (DHL Western Province), Nomawethu Mabenge (EP Queens), Chuma Qawe (DHL Western Province), Eloise Webb (Border Ladies), Simamkele Namba (DHL Western Province), Nadine Roos (Blue Bulls Women).