Wales have been drawn in the same group as the Black Ferns who have dominated the competition.
Brian Evans’s side will be going for a fourth successive title with Monalisa Codling having been involved in each of those triumphs while five others will be seeking their own hat-trick of titles at the 2010 event in Guildford from 20 August to 5 September.
“We’re under no illusions,” said Wales head coach Jason Lewis on hearing the Kiwi squad announcement. “New Zealand are world champions and deservedly so. They are a tough side with bags of experience so they obviously pose a huge challenge.”
Melissa Ruscoe returns to lead the Black Ferns in a squad boasting just one uncapped player in centre Trish Hina, who will become a dual international having already represented New Zealand in rugby league.
“We are very pleased with the depth and experience we have been able to select for this squad,” said Evans. “I am confident that we have a strong squad to travel to England.”
New Zealand squad: Kelly Brazier (Otago), Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury), Monalisa Codling (Auckland), Fiao’o Faamausili (Auckland), Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) (Auckland), Victoria Heighway (Auckland), Trish Hina (Auckland), Carla Hohepa (Otago), Rebecca Hull (nee Mahoney) (Wellington), Halie Hurring (Canterbury), Linda Itunu (Auckland), Emma Jensen (Auckland), Justine Lavea (Auckland), Huriana Manuel (Auckland), Ruth McKay (Manawatu), Mel Ngatai (Canterbury), Karina Penetito (Auckland), Casey Robertson (Canterbury), Vita Robinson (Auckland), Amiria Rule (nee Marsh) (Canterbury), Melissa Ruscoe (Captain, Canterbury), Aroha Savage (Auckland), Joan Sione (Auckland), Doris Taufateau (Auckland), Steph TeOhaere-Fox (Canterbury), Renee Wickliffe (Auckland).
