RAF rugby legend Amy Cokayne is named in Red Roses' World Cup squad line-up

RAF Rugby's Amy Cokayne is set to play in her third Women's Rugby World Cup after being officially named on the Red Roses' World Cup squad.

Head coach John Mitchell's 32-player squad for the home tournament was announced on Thursday morning, which comprises 18 forwards and 14 backs. 

The RAF hooker has previous World Cup experience after playing for the Red Roses in 2017 and the delayed 2021 World Cup. She has also won 83 international caps for England. 

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Cokayne scored three tries in the final of the delayed 2021 tournament, where England narrowly lost out to New Zealand in Auckland in November 2022. 

But since that defeat, the Red Roses have remained undefeated in all 25 matches they have played, including winning three consecutive Six Nations Grand Slams and the first two editions of the WXV1, to which the Red Roses now top the world rankings.

Speaking to England Rugby, head coach John Mitchell believes that he has the squad to win the tournament.

"It is a rare and awesome opportunity for this group to represent the Red Roses at a home World Cup," Mitchell said.

"The selection process is never easy. It's been a thorough two-year process to select the right blend of positional cover, skill, mindset and connection – we believe this is a squad that can win the World Cup.

"Every experience and challenge has brought the 32 to this point in their life and career, and they have all earned their place.

"They should be proud of the opportunity to create history together whilst knowing we have to earn the right to progress throughout the World Cup."

He added: "We're excited by what's to come and we'll continue to work hard into the tournament with our focus on preparing for our opening match against USA in less than a month's time."

England play against the United States in their opening match of the 16-team tournament on 22 August.

Their other Pool A fixtures are against Samoa on 30 August and Australia on 6 September.