Rugby World Cup 2021: Find out who will be playing in New Zealand as squads are named

In just over a weeks’ time, the 12 best women’s teams from across the globe will arrive in New Zealand to take part in Rugby World Cup 2021.

The delayed showpiece tournament will get underway on 8 October when the iconic Eden Park hosts matchday one, which will be headlined by the Black Ferns’ opening match against Australia.

As the countdown to kick-off continues apace, each participating nation will be announcing the squad of players that will represent them in New Zealand.

We take a look at each squad below.

Australia

Shannon Parry will captain the Wallaroos in New Zealand and will be joined in the 32-player squad by her former sevens team-mate Sharni Williams.

Williams returns to the squad having helped her country win Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in Cape Town, to complete an historic hat-trick of titles this year.

Forwards: Liz Patu (Queensland Reds), Emily Robinson (NSW Waratahs), Bree-Anna Cheatham (Queensland Reds), Madison Schuck (Queensland Reds), Bridie O'Gorman (NSW Waratahs), Eva Karpani (NSW Waratahs), Ashley Marsters (Melbourne Rebels), Adiana Talakai (NSW Waratahs), Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies), Michaela Leonard (ACT Brumbies), Sera Naiqama (NSW Waratahs), Atasi Lafai (NSW Waratahs), Kaitlan Leaney (NSW Waratahs), Shannon Parry (captain, Queensland Reds), Emily Chancellor (NSW Waratahs), Grace Hamilton (NSW Waratahs), Grace Kemp (ACT Brumbies), Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs).

Backs: Iliseva Batibasaga (NSW Waratahs), Layne Morgan (NSW Waratahs), Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs), Trilleen Pomare (Western Force), Siokapesi Palu (ACT Brumbies), Cecilia Smith (Queensland Reds), Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs), Sharni Williams (Aussie 7s), Mahalia Murphy (NSW Waratahs), Ivania Wong (Queensland Reds), Bienne Terita (Aussie 7s), Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs), Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (NSW Waratahs), Lori Cramer (NSW Waratahs).

Canada

Third seeds in New Zealand, Canada will be captained at the showpiece tournament by number eight Sophie de Goede, who is set to feature in her first Rugby World Cup.

Olivia DeMerchant and Tyson Beukeboom have been included in the squad and are both in line to win their 50th cap for their country.

Forwards: Alex Ellis (Barrhaven Scottish / Saracens), Brittany Kassil (Guelph Redcoats), Courtney Holtkamp (Red Deer Titans), DaLeaka Menin (Exeter Chiefs), Emily Tuttosi (Exeter Chiefs), Emma Taylor (HRFC), Fabiola Forteza (Club de rugby de Québec), Gabrielle Senft (Castaway Wanderers / Exeter Chiefs / Regina Rogues Rugby Club), Gillian Boag (Capilano RFC), Karen Paquin (Club de rugby de Québec / Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais), Laura Russell (Cowichan RFC / Toronto Nomads), McKinley Hunt (Aurora Barbarians / Exeter Chiefs), Mikiela Nelson (UBC Rugby / Capilano Rugby), Ngalula Fuamba (TMRRFC), Olivia DeMerchant (Halifax Tars RFC), Sophie de Goede (Castaway Wanderers RFC), Tyson Beukeboom (Cowichan RFC).

Backs: Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC), Alysha Corrigan (Saracens), Anaїs Holly (Town of Mont-Royal RFC), Brianna Miller (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC), Elissa Alarie (Westshore RFC), Julia Schell (Guelph Redcoats / Castaway Wanderers), Justine Pelletier (Club de rugby de Québec), Maddy Grant (University of Ottawa), Marie Thibault (Club de rugby de Québec), Paige Farries (Worcester Warriors), Sabrina Poulin (TMRRFC), Sara Kaljuvee (Toronto Scottish), Sara Svoboda (Brantford Harlequins / Belleville Bulldogs / Loughborough Lightning), Sarah-Maude Lachance (Club de Rugby de Québec/Lons Section Paloise Rugby Feminin), Taylor Perry (Oakville Crusaders).

England

The big news from England’s squad announcement relates to Abby Dow, who has recovered from a broken leg to secure her place on the plane to New Zealand.

Sarah Hunter captains Simon Middleton’s squad, and is one of six players in it who won RWC 2014. Nineteen of the 32-player squad have previous Rugby World Cup experience.

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).

Fiji

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.

France

Gaëlle Hermet will captain France at RWC 2021, but France will be without injured wingers Cyrielle Banet and Caroline Boujard.

The uncapped Joanna Grisez has been included following her appearance at RWC Sevens 2022, in which she scored three tries in four matches.

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, Romane 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.

Italy

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).

Japan

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.

New Zealand

Kendra Cocksedge and Renee Wickliffe, who recently announced they will retire following RWC 2021, have been selected for a fourth Rugby World Cup.

Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Simon will co-captain the squad, which includes 18-year-old Sylvia Brunt. Grace Brooker, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Aleisha Pearl Nelson all miss out through injury.

Forwards: Luka Connor (Bay of Plenty/Chiefs), Natalie Delamere (Bay of Plenty/Matatū), Georgia Ponsonby (Canterbury/Matatū), Tanya Kalounivale (Waikato/Chiefs), Phillipa Love (Canterbury/Matatū), Krystal Murray (Northland/Blues), Amy Rule (Canterbury/Matatū), Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (Waikato/Chiefs), Santo Taumata (Bay of Plenty/Chiefs), Chelsea Bremner (Canterbury/Matatū), Joanah Ngan-Woo (Wellington/Hurricanes), Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Auckland/Blues), Alana Bremner (Canterbury/Matatū), Sarah Hirini (Manawatū/Hurricanes), Charmaine McMenamin (Auckland/Blues), Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (Auckland/Blues), Kendra Reynolds (Bay of Plenty/Matatū), Kennedy Simon (Waikato/Chiefs).

Backs: Ariana Bayler (Waikato/Chiefs), Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury/Matatū), Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (Counties Manukau/Chiefs), Ruahel Demant (Auckland/Blues), Hazel Tubic (Counties Manukau/Chiefs), Logo I Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt (Auckland), Amy du Plessis (Canterbury/Matatū), Theresa Fitzpatrick (Auckland/Blues), Stacey Fluhler (Waikato/Chiefs), Renee Holmes (Waikato/Matatū), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (Wellington/Hurricanes), Ruby Tui (Counties Manukau/Chiefs), Renee Wickliffe (Bay of Plenty/Chiefs), Portia Woodman (Northland/Chiefs).

Scotland

Rachel Malcolm will captain Scotland in their first women’s Rugby World Cup appearance for 12 years.

Coach Bryan Easson has picked a squad with a 50-50 split of forwards and backs. Emma Wassell is the most-capped player selected, having won 57 caps for her country.

Forwards: Leah Bartlett (Loughborough Lightning), Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Elliann Clarke (Edinburgh University), 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 Rugby).

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 RFC), Chloe Rollie (Exeter Chiefs), Eilidh Sinclair (Exeter Chiefs), Hannah Smith (Watsonians), Meryl Smith (Edinburgh University), Lisa Thomson (Sale Sharks), Evie Wills (Hillhead Jordanhill).

South Africa

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).

USA

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).

Wales

Sioned Harries, Elinor Snowsill and Caryl Thomas have been selected for a fourth Rugby World Cup, having been named in the Wales squad for RWC 2021.

Siwan Lillicrap will captain the squad, which also includes Lowri Norkett, who only took up the game following the tragic death of her sister Elli – who played at RWC 2014 – in 2017.

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), Carys Phillips (University of Worcester Warriors), Caryl Thomas (University of Worcester Warriors), Sisilia Tuipulotu (Gloucester-Hartpury).

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).