USA names Women’s World Cup longlist

Three-time World Cup attendee Phaidra Knight is a surprise inclusion in a 44-strong longlist named by head coach Pete Steinberg to prepare for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup. The 42-year-old flanker is part of a group built largely around the players that took part in the Women’s Super Series and the November tour to France. Others are drawn from the HSBC Sevens Series with a few veterans back in the picture.

Kristin Zdanczewicz is another returnee with the likes of Stacey Bridges, Kate Daley, Molly Kinsella, and Sarah Chobot also boasting huge experience. Incumbent captain Hope Rogers is named, as is her 2014 World Cup front row partner Katy Augustyn.

The backs have a younger look to them, with Kimber Rozier the senior figure. There is a spot for Kelly Griffin, the Olympic captain who has yet to play test rugby in XVs. Sydney 7s Dream Team selections Alev Kelter and Naya Tapper are also included.

FORWARDS
Baylee Annis, Catie Benson, Sarah Chobot, Tiffany Faaee, Naima Reddick, Jamila Reinhardt, Hope Rogers, Katy Augustyn, Ryan Carlyle, Sam Pankey, Stacey Bridges, Nicole Burr, Jordan Gray, Abby Gustaitis, Molly Kinsella, Alycia Washington, Kate Daley, Joanne Fa’avesi, Joanna Kitlinski, Phaidra Knight, Christiane Pheil, Ashley Perry, Kristine Sommer, Nicole Strasko, Kate Zackary, Kristin Zdanczewicz

BACKS
Alev Kelter, AnnaKaren Pedraza, Kayla Canett, Megan Foster, Hunter Griendling, Kimber Rozier, Nicole Snyder, Sylvia Braaten, Kelly Griffin, Sara Parsons, Cheta Emba, Nicole Heavirland, Kelsi Stockert, Naya Tapper, Kristen Thomas, Tess Feury, Bulou Mataitoga, Jessica Wooden