Black Ferns World Cup squad: Few surprises but no room for Ruby

Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting has named his squad for the upcoming World Cup, with a settled looking 32 players set to defend their title.

Despite a call up for the Black Ferns' last Test, Ruby Tui has missed out on a place in the highly competitive outside back group.

Unsurprisingly, all available Black Ferns Sevens players have been selected, with Jorja Miller's inclusion creating an intriguing situation in the loose forward mix. Co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu is seemingly assured of a starting spot, so how Miller fits in the remaining starting spots will be interesting.

Thirty-five-year-old Kelly Brazier will play in her fourth World Cup after earning a late lifeline against the Wallaroos earlier this month, which was her first Test since 2021. Brazier – who has played 44 tests across a 16-year career – could be playing her fifth World Cup but missed the 2022 tournament due to being in the Black Ferns Sevens side.

Lock Laura Bayfield makes the squad after debuting earlier this month, she joins Maiakawanakaulani Roos, and Alana and Chelsea Bremner.

Fellow Sevens stars Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano (Fitzpatrick) and Stacey Waaka return for their third World Cup. Woodman-Wickliffe wasn't even supposed to be available after retiring last year and then signalling intentions to play in the NRLW, however the lure of the black jersey and another title has proven be too strong.

Tukuafu is joined in the leadership by Ruahei Demant, with the Blues first five coming off back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles.

This will be a challenging campaign for the Black Ferns, with England hot favourites going into their home World Cup. The tournament kicks off on August 23 when the hosts take on USA in the tournament opener, with the Black Ferns facing Spain, Japan and Ireland in their pool matches.

Loosehead props: Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko

Hookers: Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby

Tighthead props: Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule

Locks: Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos

Loose forwards: Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu (cc)

Halfbacks: Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane

First five-eighths: Kelly Brazier, Ruahei Demant (cc)

Midfielders: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka

Outside backs: Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe

Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray

Black Ferns v Spain

Kick-off: 4.30am Sunday, August 24

York Community Stadium, York

Black Ferns v Japan

Kick-off: 1am Sunday, August 31

Sandy Park, Exeter

Black Ferns v Ireland

Kick-off: 1.45am Sunday, September 7

Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium, Brighton

Quarter-finals: September 14-15

Semi-finals: September 20-21

Final: September 28