Squads for the event in Nassau include nine Olympic relay medallists

The British team is expected to make “a big statement of intent” at the IAAF World Relays in Nassau, Bahamas, on April 22-23, with nine Olympic relay medallists and 10 world relay medallists among those selected.

A 25-strong team has been named for the event, with British Athletics performance director Neil Black outlining how the 4x100m and 4x400m competitions are the focus, though with the squads selected GB could also contest the 4x200m. The event also offers 4x800m and mixed 4x400m competitions.

After being recently crowned European indoor 60m champions, both Asha Philip and Richard Kilty have been confirmed on the squads.

Philip is joined by her fellow Rio Olympic 4x100m bronze medallists Desiree Henry and Daryll Neita (pictured above), with Dina Asher-Smith missing out as she continues her rehab after injury.

Among those selected alongside Kilty are Adam Gemili and Chijindu Ujah, who formed part of the team to win European 4x100m gold in Amsterdam last year.

The women’s 4x400m squad features the Olympic bronze medal-winning quartet of Eilidh Doyle, Emily Diamond, Anyika Onuora and Christine Ohuruogu, plus Kelly Massey who ran in the qualifying round. In the men’s equivalent, 2015 world bronze medallists Jarryd Dunn, Martyn Rooney, Delano Williams and Rabah Yousif are among those on the team.

“We are taking these championships incredibly seriously, something we have shown by selecting our best possible teams,” said Black.

“We really only have two competitive chances to test out our strike four relay teams ahead of the IAAF World Championships in London this summer – this April in Nassau and at the European Team Championships in June – so it was essential that all those who are fit made themselves available for selection.

“I am looking for the team to grasp this opportunity and make a big statement of intent in the Bahamas. We have such strength and depth in our relay squads that our athletes should be desperate to make all British Athletics relay teams, and being available for selection at the World Relay Championships reflects that ambition.

“Whilst these championships offer the possibility to enter teams into other relay disciplines, our primary focus is firmly on the 4x100m and the 4x400m competitions – the events where we intend to be challenging for medals at London 2017.”

The top eight finishers in the 4x100m and 4x400m for both men and women at the IAAF World Relays earn automatic entry for the IAAF World Championships London 2017.

British team for the IAAF World Relays

Men’s squad

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

Ojie Edoburun

Adam Gemili

Zharnel Hughes

Richard Kilty

Danny Talbot

Chijindu Ujah

4x400m

Theo Campbell

Jarryd Dunn

Matthew Hudson-Smith

Martyn Rooney

Delano Williams

Rabah Yousif

Women’s squad

Desiree Henry

Imani Lansiquot

Daryll Neita

Ashleigh Nelson

Asha Philip

Jodie Williams

4x400m

Eilidh Doyle

Emily Diamond

Kelly Massey

Laviai Nielsen

Anyika Onuora

Christine Ohuruogu