England have announced a 27-player training squad for the World Cup - with three more (unnamed) players to be added in January, once they prove their fitness.

The squad will have access to increased training time from January onwards, seven months out from the RWC in France, meeting each month for enhanced strength and conditioning sessions, and nutritional, lifestyle and sports psychologist support.

England Head Coach Gary Street, who will lead the programme alongside Assistant Coach Graham Smith, said: “This is a really exciting squad of players, 14 of whom contested the RWC in 2010. At the same time there are some real quality players who have not been picked. Three players will make up the full complement in the New Year but this squad is by no means a definitive list. Players outside of this squad can still be in contention for a RWC spot if they can prove their form and fitness over the next eight months.”

Rochelle Clark, Margaret Alphonsi, Tamara Taylor, Rachael Burford and Michaela Staniford also played in the 2006 tournament.

Street has included several players who last week secured back-to-back victories over France and Canada, but for Thurrock hooker, Mercedes Foy, this will be her first call-up since winning three caps in last season’s Nations Cup.

“Getting two good wins over France and Canada has given the whole squad a lift after a tough year in 2013,” said Street. “It proves we still have real quality in our ranks and that’s important for us going into the Six Nations next year.

“Those wins also underline that having consistent and more camp time with our players makes a significant difference and I am confident that having more quality time with the players, starting next year, will put us in a good position come August.”

Of the leading players who missed the Autumn Internationals Sarah Hunter and Kat Merchant return, but major names missing from the 27 announced include Emily Scarratt, Alex Matthews, Alice Richardson, and Jo Watmore.

Also missing are a number of players who appeared in last week's Autumn Internationals including Ruth Laybourn, Abigail Chamberlain, Rowena Burnfield, Harriet Millar-Mills and Sasha Acheson

England RWC Training Squad