Sevens stars Portia Woodman, Sarah Hirini and Stacey Fluhler have been named in a 32 strong Blacks Ferns squad for the upcoming World Cup in Aotearoa.

Kennedy Simon and Ruahei Demant will co-captain the side.

Among the notable ommissions are Chiefs first five Chelsea Semple, Sevens player Tyla Nathan Wong and Canterbury winger Grace Steinmetz.

Veteran halfback Kendra Cocksedge and outside back Renee Wickliffe will be playing in their fourth World Cup, while seven players are returning for their second after being part of the 2017 winning side.

Kennedy Simon lifts the Laurie O'Reilly Cup after the Black Ferns win over Australia in August. Simon will co-captain the Black Ferns at the World Cup along with Ruahei Demant. Photo: Photosport

Black Ferns Director of Rugby Wayne Smith, said the side had been picked with a particular style of rugby in mind.

"We've talked a lot this year about wanting to play an exhilarating style of rugby and we have seen that developing throughout the year. We want to play on top of the opposition and that requires a certain set of skills that we have been working really hard on."

Smith said it was tough for players who had missed out

"This is an incredibly special moment for the players selected....(but) it's also important to make note of those players that missed out."

"This selection process has been incredibly difficult as the standard of players we have seen across the country this year has been impressive.

"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," said Smith.

The Black Ferns opening World Cup match is against Australia at Eden Park on October 8.

The squad is (age, Super Rugby team, Province and Test caps)

Luka Connor (26, Bay of Plenty, Chiefs, 8)

Natalie Delamere (25, Bay of Plenty, Matatū, 2)

Santo Taumata (19, Bay of Plenty, Chiefs, 1)

Kendra Reynolds (29, Bay of Plenty, Matatū, 5)

Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (30, Counties Manukau, Chiefs, 9)

Hazel Tubic (31, Counties Manukau, Chiefs, 16)

Logo I Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (18, Auckland, 4)

Amy du Plessis (23, Canterbury, Matatū, 3)

Ruby Tui (30, Counties Manukau, Chiefs, 4)

Renee Wickliffe (35, Bay of Plenty, Chiefs, 44)

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